His words, his bravery and his message of love triggered spontaneous applause amongst the mourners
Amid the rolling emotions in Donegal following the Creeslough tragedy, one voice rang out with clarity and hope at the funeral of James O’Flaherty.
With poise and maturity beyond his age he spoke of his father, smiling as he said: “He was a great man and worked very hard each day whether it was around the house or at work. Hamish, who had carried a white cross towards the altar ahead of the Funeral Mass, said: “I’d like to say thank you to all the people who have given and offered so many things, the emergency services too who were there within 15 minutes and also came to the wake to pay their respects during the past few days.”
But last Friday changed all of that, with lives lost and hearts broken, a country devastated by a deadly explosion, 10 people taken from the heart of eight families, from friends and their communities. Fr Brian said he hoped that Hamish would find comfort and support in the kindness of all those who had extended their hands to help the family.
“James’ life has not ended but rather changed. Life has changed, not ended. I know you will miss him terribly. James was generous and kind and loved chatting." Fr Brian lifted the Lego and made a sign of the cross, saying that this was his special Lego shape and revealing that the little blocks could be altered again to make the first letter of James, Tracey and Hamish.
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