HUMILITY IN the face of the “awesome power of nature” was brought to mind at the funeral of Kevin Kershaw in Clonakilty, Co Cork, yesterday.
Mr Kershaw (21) was one of five men who lost their lives off Glandore following the sinking of the Tit Bonhommeon January 15th. Three bodies have been recovered, but those of skipper Michael Hayes (52) and crewman Saied Ali Eldine (24) are still missing.
Chief celebrant Msgr Leonard O’Brien used the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic to illustrate the theme of our powerlessness against the elements.
“The accident coincided with a similar but much larger accident off the coast of Italy and the two taken together brought to our awareness that no matter how advanced science is and no matter how self-confident the human race is, before the power of nature we are helpless,” Msgr O’Brien said.
The Cork tragedy, he said, had been a source of great mourning. “It’s always sad when someone dies but it’s particularly poignant when a person is in the flower of their youth, with all the usual hopes in front of them. For that reason, especially among the seafaring community, it has caused a very great mourning locally.”
It was ironic, he said, that the trawler should have foundered so close to home as it entered one of west Cork’s most peaceful harbours. “Glandore Harbour is probably the quietest and most tranquil bay on the coast of west Cork, sheltered by the ancient woods of Myross on one side. The only opening is to the southeast. Yet a southerly gale blew up that night and caused this sudden disaster.”
The loss of one of Mr Kershaw’s friends, who died suddenly on Monday night, was described as a “strange coincidence”. Donal O’Sullivan, known as “Sparky”, was an avid road bowler who had taken Kevin under his wing.
“He had been mentoring him in road bowling and Kevin showed great promise. Donal had been out searching for bodies after the shipwreck and the great response to the call for volunteer searchers in the bay of Glandore is testimony to the esteem in which Kevin was held among his friends,” Msgr O’Brien added.
Patrick Kershaw said he was proud to be Kevin’s father and described him as “second to none, top of the range”. He thanked those working as part of the search operation that brought his son home. He said his thoughts were with the families of two fishermen still missing.
Kevin Kershaw will be laid to rest today at Bohernabreena Cemetery in Tallaght, Dublin.