Brothers united as they are laid to rest
Credit: Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin
The parents and family members of brothers David and Kevin Breen, of Hazelwood Drive, Killarney, leaving St mary's Cathederal, Killarney, On Saturday.
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A POIGNANT message of support from families affected by the recent Inishowen Peninsula tragedy was read out to the grieving relatives of David and Kevin Breen as mourners gathered in Killarney Cathedral for the brothers' funeral Mass on Saturday morning. Just six weeks after the worst road crash in the history of the state, Killarney's own shocking tragedy united a town in grief and garnered the sympathy of a nation.
Addressing a congregation largely made up of teenagers and young adults, celebrant Fr Gerard O'Leary told how President McAleese had also sent her condolences to parents Denis and Sheila, to brothers Michael, Denis and Billy, to sister Sheila Mary and, indeed, to the wider community. Eight concelebrating priests joined in with prayers for victims Brian Coffey, Áine Riordan and survivor Darragh Jones.
Fr O'Leary said how the news had sent shivers through all and spoke of the dangers on the roads and of how tragedy is always just seconds away.
"We think of the times when we too had near misses, when I was too tired to drive safely, when I was speeding or showing off, or simply not paying attention to my driving. When I put my own life and that of others at risk.
"We quickly realise how lucky we are to be alive but we must learn that human life is so sacred and we as human beings are so fragile and we need to care for ourselves and others."
His words were amplified by the poignant sight of two coffins, adorned in white cloth, side by side. No flowers in the cathedral. No frills. Just memories of Kevin and David and a family left with huge loss.
"Kevin and David will be remembered for their sense of joy and fun," the Killarney priest continued.
"Their family came first and they enjoyed a very close relationship with all the family but gave special attention to Billy, their youngest brother, bringing him in on the bar of the bike to the local shop and giving him sweets.
"God did not abandon Kevin and David last Wednesday. He was with them throughout their lives and so too was he with them at the hour of their death," he added.
Brothers and cousins joined in saying the Prayers of the Faithful while the family thanked all who lent their support including the emergency services and Fr Kevin McNamara who had administered Last Rites and prayed over the dead.
To the sounds of Hail Queen of Heaven, Kevin and David were shouldered out of the cathedral by siblings and close family, many too small to fully take the weight of the coffins but still wishing to be part of the last journey.
Placed in separate hearses adorned with flowers and messages of support from family, friends and godparents, the cortege made its way through the streets of Killarney. Onlookers stopped to pay respects and add their sympathies.
David Breen was just 17, his brother Kevin was 15. They had previously been involved in Killarney Celtic, in Spa GAA and in the local youth club. David was a student on the Youthreach Programme in Killarney, Kevin a student at St Brendan's College. Both were past pupils at Lissivigeen National School.
- KEVIN HUGHES
