In loving memory of John (Johann, Hans) Briel of Northfields, Clonmel and formerly of Hausen-im-Tal, Neidingen- Beuron, Germany, whose first anniversary occurs on July 14th, 2020. Much loved, greatly missed and always remembered by his wife Maura, son William, daughter Christine, son-in-law Niall, grandson Daniel, extended Briel and Toomey families, colleagues and friends in Ireland and in Germany.

At this time, we would like to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many relatives, friends, neighbours, well-wishers and John’s former work colleagues and staff of Schiesser International Ireland Ltd., who visited our home, attended the prayer service, Mass and burial service and provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent cards and messages of condolence as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful.

At this time we lovingly remember our family and friends who have also left us, especially John and Maura’s parents: Rudolf and Jakobine, Jack and Kitty; their brothers and sisters: Jacob, Rudi, Annalise, Friedel, Breada and Caith; their brothers-in-law: Harald and Bill; their sister-in-law, Marcella and John’s brothers who have died since: Josef and Paul.

A special word of thanks to the doctors and staff in Fethard Medical Centre who tended to John’s medical needs, especially, Dr. Molly Owens, whose attentiveness allowed us to care for John at home in his last days; to the nurses and staff of the Acute Care Unit in St. Joseph’s Hospital for their respectful care and treatment; to our Public Health Nurse, Marissa Allen, who took care to ensure that we had the necessary aids to support John at home; to the Palliative Care Nurses from the South Tipperary Hospice Movement, especially, Nora and Marissa, who watched over John with us at night in our home. They tenderly cared for him and supported and guided us through John’s last days. Their presence was an immeasurable gift to us; to Fr. P.J. Fagan, for his blessings, support and celebration of the prayer service and funeral mass along with Canon Crowley and Fr. Michael Toomey; to all who participated in the mass, especially Noel Fanning whose words illustrated John’s character, his value of family and friends and his contribution to the wider community; to the Gordonaires whose voices comforted us and lifted our hearts; to the management and staff of Hotel Minella for their provision of refreshments and afternoon meal in a comfortable and fitting environment; to the management and staff of Fennessey’s Funeral Home, especially Anthony, for the respectful management of all the funeral arrangements; to all who helped and supported us with the practicalities of that week, especially Brendan Snr., Patricia, Niamh, Marcus, Roy, Brendan Jnr., Brian and Denis Og; to John’s close friends, especially Rolf and Bernie, whose friendship with us perpetuates other facets to John; to our extended families in Ireland and Germany, especially, Maura’s brothers: Brendan, Seán and Denis, her sisters-in-law: Eileen, Angela and Janice, brother-in-law, John, and John’s sisters-in-law: Justine, Erna and Helga, for their love and continued support; and a special mention to John’s grandson, Daniel, whose composure and sense of responsibility during those days moved us all and would have made his Opa very proud.

Thank you to all who helped and supported us in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.  The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

“No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you’re always there.”