The funeral of 20-year-old lifeguard Fionn O’Brien has heard that his family, friends and teamates have been “numbed speechless” by his untimely death.
Fionn was laid to rest this afternoon following a funeral mass at the Church of Our Lady, Roslevan, which was viewed by almost a thousand people people online.
While funeral attendances are currently limited to 50 people due to Covid-19 restrictions, the people of Clare and further afield showed their support for the O’Brien family through a large online attendance of 940 people.
The Mass was celebrated by Ennis parish Priest Fr. Tom Ryan, the chaplain of Fionn’s alma mater Rice College and attended by the Chaplain of the University of Limerick – where the 20-year-old was studying Technology Management.
A number of symbols were brought to the alter during the ceremony including a signed Clare jersey to symbolise Fionn’s sporting prowess, sand, pebbles and shells carried by his sister Saidhbh to represent his ‘Whitestrand family’ and his lifeguard hat to signify his pride in his lifesaving skills.
Speaking from the pulpit, Fr. Tom Ryan described it as most tragic that Fionn lost his life by the same waters that he patrolled…
Fionn is survived by his parents Pat and Michelle, his brothers Conor & Niall and his sister Saidhbh.
Paying tribute to her son, Michelle O’Brien spoke of the close-knit nature of the family and Fionn’s integral part in this.
Michelle told the congregation that Fionn was a ‘well of endless potential’ and will be remembered for his ‘easy-going nature’, ‘playfulness’ and ‘hard won hugs’.
Fionn was laid to rest this afternoon at Drumcliffe Cemetery.
May he rest in Peace.
