'A charming young man full of the joys of life'
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A CHARMING young man whose life had been cut cruelly short was how tragic crash victim Brian Coffey was described at his funeral mass at the weekend.
Under a clear, blue autumn sky hundreds gathered at the Church of Christ the Prince of Peace in Fossa to bid farewell to the popular 19-year-old on Saturday morning.
The tiny church, overlooking the lakes of Killarney, was packed with mourners and over a hundred more waited quietly outside to pay their respects to the grief-stricken Coffey family.
The emotional service commenced with a mournful yet stirring rendition of Amazing Grace and the reading of a letter of condolence from President McAleese who extended her " deepest sympathies" to the family and friends of the late Brian Coffey.
His coffin stood in the centre of the church, draped in white, and topped with the red and black flag of his beloved Fossa GAA club and a photo from which the tragic young man beamed out at the-congregation.
Mass was celebrated by Fossa Parish priest Fr Brendan Harrington who said there was an immense sense of shock and sadness in the parish since news of the crash broke last Wednesday.
He also spoke of the importance of supporting the family of the deceased in their time of great need.
"Brian's life was cut sadly short," said Fr Harrington. "He was a charming young man who was full of life and full of the joys of life."
"He loved his family deeply and was devoted to his younger brother and sister Simon and Beth."
The mass was co-celebrated by Fr Don Burke, a relative of the Coffey family, who returned from the Missions in Zambia to take part in the ceremony.
Brian Coffey and his family had moved to Fossa from Dublin several years ago and he had attended Milltown Secondary school.
A large contingent of his former classmates attended the funeral as did members of both Fossa Listry GAA club and Fossa Rowing club, with whom Brian had been closely involved.
After the poignant service members of Fossa Rowing Club, Fossa GAA club, members of Killarney Regatta and other rowing clubs provided a guard of honour as his remains were brought on their final journey to Aghadoe cemetery.
Brian Coffey is survived by his father Mick Clifford, mother Siobhan Coffey, brother and sister Simon and Beth, and grandparents Raymond and Betty Coffey.
- SIMON BROUDER
