A father whose young son and partner died in a house fire last weekend said his final goodbyes to the pair yesterday at a funeral service in Cork.
Mother-of-two Lorraine Sheehan (25) and her three-year- old son, Glenn, died after a fire broke out at their home in Churchfield Gardens, Cork city, on Sunday.
The dead woman's partner, Mr Richard O'Neill, and the couple's two-year-old daughter, Caitlin, escaped from the house.
Gurranabraher parish priest Father John Manley, who officiated at yesterday's requiem Mass at the Church of the Ascension, said it was difficult to come up with the rights words to say to the grieving family.
"Words are inadequate when trying to comfort the bereaved. You cannot mend a broken heart.
"Lorraine was a good and devoted mother who gave her life to her children. She was a wonderful friend and neighbour. Her death leaves a big gap in her family since no one can replace a mother."
Father Manley told neighbours and friends that Glenn's short life had been a worthwhile one.
"He loved to go fishing with his dad, Richard. He brought so much happiness to his parents and godparents. Children, as every parent knows, can pack a lot of living into a single day. They teach us how to live."
Ms Sheehan is survived by her parents, Marie and Tim, two brothers and two sisters, and her partner and young daughter.
Mother and son were laid to rest at St Michael's Cemetery, Blackrock.