As we remember Dermot on the 1st anniversary of his passing, Christine & Caoimhe, together with Dermot’s mother Eileen, his brothers Mark & Christy and his sisters Grace, Linda & Lisa, would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who sympathised with us on our devastating loss.

It is truly difficult to know where to begin with thanking people and impossible to thank everyone individually, so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude to all.

To Aidan, Caoimhe’s partner; we take great comfort from the fact that you and Mark were with Dermot when he needed you. Our thanks to you is immeasurable.

To the Irish Community Air Ambulance Paramedics, (supported by the team at Cork University Hospital) who tended to Dermot, doing everything possible for the ultimate outcome to have been different; we thank you for giving Dermot every chance to stay with us. Our community is so fortunate to have you.

We thank Garda Diarmuid Lane for his kindness and support on the day and thereafter.

Our family is eternally grateful to Dermot’s friend Fran O’Reilly & his father Michael, for their professionalism and sensitivity in handling the undertaking and funeral arrangements, in what were very difficult personal circumstances for them also.

To Fr. Manning, for the sincere and meaningful funeral ceremony, which, albeit restricted & untimely, allowed us to have a farewell for Dermot that was befitting of him. Thank you to Meadhbh Walsh for the beautiful music and singing also.

Covid kept us apart physically at a very difficult time, but we were very humbled to see our friends and neighbours lining the routes on Dermot’s journey to his childhood home in Killowen and similarly, when we travelled with him from our home in the Commons to the Church in Newmarket.  Thanks to those who stood outside the church and along the street to show solidarity with us in our grief. The guard of honour formed by his work colleagues was a particularly poignant tribute. Dermot would have loved the cavalcade of motorbikes that accompanied him from the Church to his place of rest in Clonfert. Special thanks to those involved, especially Dermot’s lifelong friends Tady & PJ. It is very comforting to have seen the esteem in which Dermot is held; it would have meant the world to him.

To our family GP’s, including Dr. Brendan Payne and Dr. Zelie Daly, for your exceptional care and continued support in the aftermath of Dermot’s passing.

To the directors, management and staff of BCD, Dermot’s work colleagues. Dermot’s work and his work family were immensely important to him. He served a large part of his life working with you all. We know his loss was enormous to you also and we thank you for the support you have shown to us.

Thank you to all who called to the house, those who brought refreshments, telephoned, sent Mass cards or messages of condolences, flowers or letters.

Every kind gesture was gratefully received and the support that we have felt will always be remembered.

To our families and friends, including Dermot’s phenomenal friends, who enriched his life so significantly. We are indebted to you all for your unwavering support this past year. Despite your own grief, you prioritised us and made sure we were supported and comforted.  You have helped us to bear our unbearable loss. 

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions.

Mass for Dermot’s 1st Anniversary will be held on the 16th January at 11.30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church Newmarket. It will be live streamed on the Newmarket and Taur Facebook page.

Dermot, Inár gCroí go Deo.