More than 1,000 people attended the funeral yesterday of the three members of the Daly family who died in a fire at their home near Castlemaine, Co Kerry, on Sunday morning.
Sixteen priests took part in the funeral Mass at St Carthage's church, Kiltallagh, of Mr John Daly (66), Ms Mary Daly (57), and their son, Mr Shane Daly (24). The President, Mrs McAleese, sent a message of sympathy and the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, sent his apologies for not being able to attend.
Father Luke Roche, parish priest and chief celebrant, said at the beginning of the service: "The children told me they had the best mam and dad that any one could have and a great brother as well." Mr James Daly (29), Ms Marie Daly (26), Ms Margaret Daly (21), and Shane's girlfriend, Ms Niamh Godley, attended.
Mrs Daly's elderly mother, Mrs Bride Fenton, was also among the mourners as were the Daly and Fenton brothers and sisters. The community was "shocked, saddened and numbed. We are all aware that in an instant everything has changed and will not be the same again," Father Roche said.
"The death of a mother, father and son hits us straight in the face and forces us to reflect on the meaning of life, on what's it all about." Ms Marie Daly and Mr James Daly brought symbols to the altar of their parents' love of flowers and farming. They also gave the readings and the prayer of the faithful. Ms Marie Daly prayed for all who had supported them in "our great loss", and for the Garda, the fire brigade and their neighbours and friends.
Guards of honour were provided by St Joseph's national school, the Killorglin community college, the Castlemaine United soccer club and the Castlemaine-Milltown GAA club.