THE WORLDS of politics and traditional music joined together in grief yesterday as the son of former MEP Kathy Sinnott and traditional musician Declan Sinnott was buried in Cork.
Kevin Sinnott (22) drowned while attempting to swim across a lake near the Southern Catholic College in Georgia, the US, on September 21st, where he was in his final year of philosophy studies.
Kathy Sinnott and her ex-partner Declan both spoke lovingly about their son at his funeral Mass at St John’s Church in Carrigaline, where they were surrounded by Kevin’s eight siblings and his girlfriend, Jessica. Among them was Jamie (31), who was the centre of Ms Sinnott’s landmark High Court victory against the State over his education rights.
Also in attendance were the seven nieces and nephews who came under Kathy’s guardianship following the death of her sister Bridget several years ago.
Musician Christy Moore, who works with Declan Sinnott, sang a song at the Mass called Listen, which he dedicated to Kevin.
Ms Sinnott told mourners yesterday how she had almost lost Kevin three times before he was born, so when he finally arrived he was not taken for granted.
“We are so sad and we are going to miss him but I am so grateful and a little sad part of me is incredibly happy. What does any parent want? They just want their child to be happy and to know they are happy forever,” she said.
Declan Sinnott said Kevin had lifted everybody up and had a glorious, wicked sense of humour.
“He was most beautiful in every way I can think of. He was warm and extremely kind, especially to those who most needed it . . . he was an exceptional boy,” he said.
