“He was a truly great son and brother” mourners heard at Paul Fitzpatrick’s funeral told

HUNDREDS of mourners attended the funeral this morning in Saint Andrew’s Church, Bagenalstown of Paul Fitzpatrick, a young man who died in a hunting accident last week.

Paul Fitzpatrick (21) from Killenane Lane, Bagenalstown, died in the incident which occurred close to the village of Leighlinbridge at around 11pm on last Tuesday, 2 December.

Paul, who was accompanied by a friend, was fox hunting when the incident took place.

He was the son of Darran and Rosemarie, brother to Billy and Niall, boyfriend of Ebony and grandson to Carmel, Mary and Paddy.

The communities of Bagenalstown and Leighlinbridge have been in shock on hearing of the dreadful accident.

Throughout the week, tributes have been pouring in on social media, reflecting how much Paul was known and loved.

Messages of condolences were paid by local and national sports clubs, from teachers and fellow students in South East Technological University Carlow (SETU) and from Presentation de la Salle (PDLS), Bagenalstown where he had attended secondary school.

Paul was ‘a character and a true gent. That lovely smile of his will not be forgotten’, said one contributor from PDLS.

‘Paul was no doubt cherished by everyone who knew him, and the love he shared with his family is something that will stay with him always, carried with him into his eternal rest,’ said another sympathiser.

This morning, parish priest, Fr Declan Foley celebrated the Requiem Mass, accompanied by Fr Tom Lawlor and Fr Pat Hennessy, Fr Martin Smith, chaplain to SETU and Rev Máirt Hanley, representing the Church of Ireland community.

The Bagenalstown Gaels GAA football and hurling clubs, where Paul enjoyed huge success in his short time, provided a large guard of honour as his wicker coffin was carried into St Andrew’s Church by pallbearers for the ceremony.

SETU Carlow and PDLS students filled the church along with his immediate family, relatives, a large group of friends, members from clubs that Paul was involved in and members of the community.

Paul’s godparents presented symbols of his life including a family photograph and second of himself receiving a trophy for his beloved sport, motor cross.

Fr Foley in his homily said: “In the parish we have between 60 and 70 funerals per year, many of whom were in the latter stages of their lives. For a young person, for Paul it’s very different. So much, much harder to find words to describe, to console, to put into perspective what has happened. The depth of grief goes beyond any type of words that we can express.” Fr Foley continued: “ Out at the scene of the accident the other night, I could not offer any words of comfort to Darran, his dad, and indeed Billy (his brother) who was there as well - to see a young person in the fullness of their life taken so early. God was so present in all of this. A god who loves us, a god who is especially with us in our grief.” He explained that what happened on Tuesday night was a tragic accident no matter how careful anyone could be.

“A very, very special person who was with him was a loved brother, a friend. Paul wasn’t alone. He will also remain part of the Fitzpatrick family,” continued Fr Foley. “Paul was blessed by his parents, great grandparents, his brothers and his life-long friends. He was a very special child to his parents. Each and every one of you were impacted by Paul at some stage in your lives.” He continued: “The words that Rosemarie, his mother, has said to me many times is that Paul was so authentic, so real and he was so open. There was nothing hidden about him at all. He lived life to the full and enjoyed life to the full. He was taken just too early from all of us.” Niall, Paul’s younger brother, read a reflection to the congregation.

His father, Darran, in his eulogy thanked everyone who attended the ceremony.

“Paul was a truly great son and brother who we were immensely proud of. When he was born he was also snow white. He had no hair whatsoever. He became known as blondie and loved having his hair styled,” said Darran.

He described how his son made really good friends with so many people.

“In play school, it was here that he met Ebony, his one true love. He added more friends through his national school years. Paul avoided the spotlight, he didn’t like to be photographed. In secondary school he added more really good friends. He was also playing rugby, soccer and football. Paul was very, very capable in many ways. Over the years he also added more pastimes to his list, hunting the land and motor cross,” Darran continued.

“Earlier this year, Paul had a tough time as he had reconstructive surgery on both of his ankles. He really saw how strong his bond was with his brothers, friends and Ebony. There was literally a track worn on the pathway to our house.” Mr Fitzpatrick explained that his son had packed so much into his day before his tragic accident last Tuesday.

“The emergency services who were there treated us with so much care and the utmost dignity. We will be forever grateful that Paul got to live his life to the full and that he was enjoying one of favorite sports with his friend who was known as son number four in our household,” said Darran.

Paul was laid to rest after Requiem Mass in Wells cemetery, Royal Oak, Bagenalstown.

The young man is survived by his parents Darran and Rosemarie, brothers Billy and Niall, girlfriend Ebony, grandparents Carmel, Mary and Paddy, aunts, uncles and his “many, many friends and neighbours,” according to his funeral details. He is predeceased by his grandfather Dick and uncle Richard.