Following a year of deep sadness, we lovingly remember Michael, a beloved Husband, adored Dad & Granddad, Brother, Uncle, kind neighbour and dear friend.

We, his wife Mary, daughters Aisling and Rachel, sons Micheál and Killian, their spouses Derek, Evan and Elaine,  his cherished 8 Grandchildren, Donncha, Rhys, Sadie, Isla, JD, Joey, Holly & Roisín wish to thank everyone who sympathised with us on our sudden and heartbreaking loss.

We wish to express our deep gratitude and thanks to our kind and caring neighbours and friends, who went above and beyond in their love and support to us all at our time of immense shock and loss.  And to our many relatives and friends, who travelled long distances to sympathise with us at our home, funeral home, Mass and Cremation Ceremonies.  Thank you to all who sent Mass and Condolences Cards, letters, flowers, posts on social media and on RIP.ie, text messages and phone calls.  To those of you who donated in Michael's memory to the RNLI and to the Castletownbere RNLI, (a wonderful organisation, of which Michael was involved with since its arrival here), thank you so much.  And to the caring community who provided nutritious food as we were navigating our grief.

Thank you to the Emergency Services, the Castletownbere Fire Brigade and HSE Ambulance crew.  To the Gardai who attended and showed us such kindness and support.  To Dr. Fiona Kelly and the staff at the Haven Medical.  Heartfelt thanks to Fr. John Kerin, who visited us many times, and for the lovely funeral Mass he said for Michael.

To Michael's second families - his Crew mates on the MFV Sea Spray and the wider fishing community, and to all in the Castletownbere RNLI, who did a Guard of Honour as Michael took his final tour of the Pier, a trip he did daily.  

Thank to Paul Harrington, Harrington's Funeral Directors, Mossie and John William O'Donoghue for their wonderful support and professionalism. 

Thanks to O'Donoghues Bar for looking after family and friends who attended Funeral home. Twomey's Bar for their venue and to the staff at The Chef's Table for the fabulous food before we journeyed to the Cremation Ceremony at Ringaskiddy.

As it is impossible to individually thank everyone for their love and support, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt appreciation.  The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Michael's First Anniversary Mass will be held at St. Bartholemew's Church in Rossmacowen, on Sunday November 16th at 10am.

Salt spray and seabirds' cry recall
Your love of open sea.
Where mighty fish and rolling waves
Set your spirit free.

The deep blue waters knew you well
Each current was your friend.
Now peaceful in those waters vast,
Your journey finds its end.

But in each wave that meets the shore,
Your stories still run deep.
As ocean winds and tidal flows
Your fishing memories keep.

 

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS