Laois schoolgirl was "a ray of light"

A RADIANT schoolgirl whose life was cruelly cut short at the age of 16 was remembered at her funeral today as “a ray of light” who enriched the lives of everyone around her.

The heartbroken family and friends of Scoil Chríost Rí student Emily Culhane gathered at SS Peter and Paul’s Church in Portlaoise at noon for her concelebrated requiem Mass, led by Msgr John Byrne PP.

A transition year student from Lower Boley, Abbeyleix, Emily sadly passed away from meningitis at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin on Sunday 5 January, having been transferred from Portlaoise hospital.

On behalf of Emily’s family, her uncle Declan thanked hospital staff for their exceptional kindness and care, particularly Dr James and nurses Theresa, Miguel and Michelle.

He said: “Your kindness, professionalism and compassion gave us comfort and the dignity and respect shown to Emily will stay with us forever.” 

Msgr Byrne reflected the profound sense of shock and sorrow caused by the sudden loss of a beautiful young person, as he said: “Words can barely express the depth of grief that is felt in this church right now. Emily was full of promise and hope, someone who cherished life. It is difficult to grasp that her bright spirit is no longer physically among us.” 

 Describing the popular teenager as "a ray of light", he said: “Our hearts break at the thought that one so young, so radiant, so talented has been taken from us. Her gentle smile and caring nature were gifts to each person she encountered.

“Our thoughts and prayers rest especially with her loving parents, Seán and Bernie and her brother Sam, her granny Pat, her uncles and aunts, her cousins, her classmates, the school community of Scoil Chriost Ri and all who are grieving here this day.” 

Gifts carried to the altar by Emily’s devastated friends included a framed photo montage representing the importance of love and friendship in her life and a bling bag reflecting her love of fashion, make-up and jewellery.

A ‘Pink Ladies’ jacket from Grease reflected Emily’s passion for music and musicals and her excitement as she looked forward to performing with Scoil Chríost Rí and St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise in their upcoming shows.

Monsignor Byrne told the congregation: “In a very short time, she had become a bright spark, a radiant light in Scoil Chriost Rí, using her beautiful voice and acting talent to light up the rehearsals for the upcoming musicals Mamma Mia and Grease. She was loving it.” 

He observed that Emily lived the line, ‘I have a dream, a song to sing’, a song that speaks of hope and carrying on through life’s trials. He said she might have gone on to develop her singing and acting talents and even become famous one day, while she would have been a great mother because of her caring nature.

However, Msgr Byrne said that it would be an injustice to Emily to consider only what she might have been, without acknowledging what she already was and what she achieved in her short life.

He said: “She was a wonderful blessing to her parents and her brother, to her granny, to her aunts and uncles, her cousins and to Scoil Chriost Rí. Emily, we say thank you for the music and, while we grieve, we also thank God for your life and the blessing you were to so many.” 

 Readings at the heartbreaking yet uplifting Mass that celebrated Emily’s short yet very full life were read by her godmother Mags and aunt Catherine, while school chaplain Fr David Vard placed a book of scriptures on her coffin and the gospel was read by Abbeyleix PP Fr Paddy Byrne. 

Four school friends led the Prayers of the Faithful, which included a prayer for the staff of Portlaoise and Beaumont hospitals who worked so hard to save Emily’s life.

A reflection on ‘Togetherness’, which was read by Emily’s uncle Declan at the end of the Mass, was accompanied by a slideshow of joyful photographs that captured the happiness of her life with family and friends.

On behalf of the Moran and Culhane families, Declan thanked everyone who helped them as they tried to navigate the pain of their loss.

He said: “Your comforting words, condolences, messages of support and kind gestures are of immense importance to us. Thank you for standing by us, for showing compassion and for celebrating the life of a remarkable young person who meant so much to us all.

“We are unable to find the words to convey and describe our love for Emily. The joy she gave us, and our gratitude for having Emily in our lives. Emily we carry your heart, we carry it in our hearts.” 

Songs beautifully performed by pianist and singer Heather Fogarty included I Have A Dream, while school friends gave an unforgettable and profoundly moving performance of Unsaid Emily by Julie and the Phantoms.

 Emily is deeply mourned and missed by her parents Seán and Bernie, brother Sam, grandmother Pat, uncles Ken, Declan, Brian, Martin, Pascal and David, aunts Aisling, Catherine, Angela, Julie and Elizabeth, cousins Eoin, Catherine, Sarah, Daniel, Owen, Caolan, Tadhg, Mustaffa, Katie and Lilly, relatives and friends.

Cremation was in Newlands Cross Crematorium following the Mass.