PAUL DOHERTY:THE CORTEGE escorting Paul Doherty from his home to Clonmany church yesterday morning was led by the tractor unit of a big Doherty lorry.
He would have been 20 years old yesterday, and his short, exuberant life was represented by that lorry, now laden with flowers, and in the little collection of items laid before the altar: models of a 10-wheeler artic and an earth-mover, a wrench and a boiler suit.
Later, they would be joined by the offertory gifts that included a blurry photograph of his local pub, the High Stool, and an Auto Tradermagazine featuring an Audi on the cover.
His uncle, Cecil Doherty, spoke lovingly of a funny, fast-moving lad who “was hard-working but was always pushing to get the job done so he could do a lap – and all of you in the know probably know what that means”.
It meant getting out in his beloved car, of which he had already owned a whole series, listed by his uncle – a Passat, a Golf among them, and his latest favourite, an Audi A4.
“All that ripping and tearing,” said his uncle wistfully. “In work one of his great brags was that he was a better welder than his Dad.” Last Friday he called his father out to the shed, pointed to a job and said, “Now, that’s how I’d like you to do it from now on,”
A brief ripple of laughter ran through the congregation, in an atmosphere otherwise heavy with silent grief.
Cecil Doherty was speaking on behalf of Paul’s parents, Felix and Sally, and their children, Stephen, Caroline, Mark and Gary, who wanted to thank Paul for the last 20 years, during which “he entertained them profusely with all his tricks”.
They also wanted to thank the fire and ambulance services, the clergy – “we shouldn’t forget the horrific job they have to do” – the hospital staff and the guards, “for their amazing proficiency and understand in carrying out their duties”.
He had special words for the people of Inishowen and further afield who had been “unbelievable” in their support: “It makes us proud to be a part of this community”.
And he had a heartfelt message for the family of Shaun Kelly, the surviving driver of the car in which their second-eldest son died, and who were cousins by marriage.
“We know what a difficult time this is for Liam, Pauline and Shaun and sincerely hope that his recovery will be full and swift.”
Earlier, Clonmany parish priest, Fr Fintan Diggin, joined by eight co-celebrants, used part of his homily to assure the families and friends of those who died that they had not suffered.
“I want to assure you that there is a consensus among all of us who were there, that they died immediately, instantly. There was no pain. You should know that.”