Sister's tears as stab victim buried
Michael Brennan's sister Caroline
Saturday January 10 2009
Caroline Brennan wept uncontrollably yesterday as the coffin of her brother Michael -- who the 18-year-old is accused of assaulting on the morning of his death -- was carried from his funeral Mass yesterday.
Comforted by the rest of her family, she looked on in dazed grief as 22-year-old Michael's coffin was placed in the hearse and brought through Castlecomer's main street and finally to Cross Hill Cemetery, less than a mile outside the Co Kilkenny town.
His brothers Joseph, William, Thomas, James and Peter helped to carry the coffin while little sister Ciara cried into the arms of her parents Billy and Eileen outside the church.
Earlier, mourners were told by a friend that Michael -- who lost his life in the early hours of December 30 after a late-night party at his uncle's house -- was a "loving, caring and loyal" brother, son and friend.
Michael's death is currently the subject of a garda investigation and his sister Caroline is before the courts on a charge of assault causing serious harm.
He is alleged to have been stabbed at about 4am on the morning in question.
Friend Lisa Peagram said at yesterday's funeral Mass that all his family and friends "cared so much about him", and that when Michael was working he made many friends and was known as a hard worker who loved his music.
"He died at the tender age of 22 but if Michael was here today, he would be so proud of the love and support and respect shown for him and his family at this, his final journey," she said.
Parish priest Monsignor Michael Ryan said that those gathered for his funeral were there to pray for him and to remember him, and not there to judge him.
Judged
"All judgment is in the hands of God and what all of us wish for at the end of life is that we'll be judged by a merciful God who knows us even better than we know ourselves."
He reminded the people gathered to say goodbye to Michael that the young man had been baptised in the same church, in October 1986, and one of the gifts brought to the altar at the offertory was a candle to symbolise the candle burning at the time of that baptism ceremony less than 22 and a half years ago.
"At whatever stage or in whatever circumstances, if a young person dies, whether by accident or tragedy, it's an occasion for great sadness because nothing is more precious than the gift of life," said Msgr Ryan.
"Our thoughts and our prayers are very much with Michael's parents and his family today. These days are days of great sorrow and great pain.
"As one writer put it, 'it's truly against nature to bury your child, for when we bury our parents we close the door on the past but when parents bury their children, they close a bridge to the future'."
The entire community shared in the Brennan family's grief at this time, he said: "I want you to know that many, many sincere people have prayed for you and continue to pray for you in these days of sorrow and pain and I hope it's some consolation to know that we're not alone in times of grief and in times of sorrow."
Msgr Ryan urged the young people present who grew up with Michael to remember and pray for him.
- Conor Kane
