Derek’s wife Vanessa, daughter Caitlin and son Reece, his parents Ethel and Derek, his sisters and all his family would like to extend a huge thank you for the many expressions of heartbreak, love and support shown to them throughout the recent unexpected loss of a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Thank you to everyone who visited the funeral home, to all those who attended Derek’s Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Victories Church, Ballymun Road and his Cremation Service in Dardistown Crematorium, to those who sent Mass cards, floral tributes, letters, texts or kind words of sympathy and support online. Thank you to all those who travelled long distances and to those who couldn’t be present but joined in the celebration of Derek’s life via webcam.

A very special thank you to the passers-by, the Gardaí and the emergency services who came to Derek’s assistance that Friday morning.

Thank you to Fr. Frank Reburn for celebrating such a beautiful Funeral Mass and to Giovanna and Ephrem for their wonderful music.

To our colleagues, neighbours and many dear friends, we will never forget the support and kindness you have shown.

To Derek’s colleagues in the Irish Prison Service and his many friends, we thank you for your lovely gesture of respect and for supporting his family.

Thanks also to the Management and Staff of Millmount House for their hospitality, and to all the staff at Kirwans Funeral Directors, Ballygall.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our sincere appreciation.

Derek’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 18th May at 11 o’clock in Our Lady of Victories Church. Those who cannot attend are welcome to join via webcam.

We are sending a dove to heaven, with a parcel on its wings,
Be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things,
Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs,
To say how much we miss you, and send you all our love.