FATHER IN TRIBUTE TO SON WHO LOVED CARS
Father in tribute to son who loved cars
By Rosie Uffindell
In Knockmoyle
TWENTY ONE years later, Adrian Gallagher returned to the church where he had been baptised.
Hundreds of people bowed their heads In silent respect as Adrian's friends bore his coffin to St Mary's Church, Knockmoyle.
Adrian's parents, Michael and Patsy Gallagher, and his sisters Sharon and Cathy, led the mourning for the popular and friendly lad whose passion was cars.
Mr Gallagher broke down as he read a tribute to his son.
"The horrible explosion on Saturday has blasted the life out of your body, killed 27 other people also and shattered the bodies and minds of hundreds more.
"We are very frightened by what has happened and we are broken-hearted that you are no longer to exist upon earth."
And then he stopped, unable to continue.
This fine, happy, handsome son was his parents' pride and joy, Father Kevin Mullan told the congregation.
Any future he had planned had been "blasted" from him on Saturday.
"From the ruins of our town and the ruins of our hearts, let the world of the murderous past be gone.
"Build our memories of Adrian and his poor pitiable companions into a future for us here until we join them, and slowly wipe away our tears."
Auxiliary Bishop Francis Lagan said no words could excuse or condone this "evil sinful act."
"But however terrible its consequences it was not able to destroy the kindness shown by so many people. If it was meant to destroy or divide this community it had the complete opposite effect.
"This community has now a bond that can never be broken because of the heartache they have experienced together."
Rev Derek Quinn, Rector of Cappagh Church of Ireland church, and Rev Ian Mairs of the Presbyterian Mountjoy Church drew applause when they told mourners they pledged to pray for the community and for peace.
It was a family affair. Adrian's cousin led the congregation In prayer, "We want this terrible event to make us more determined to live together," she prayed.
"I pray that never again will people use violence to further their cause."
And his cousin Gareth led the singing.
"Be not afraid, I go before you always. Come follow me and I will give you rest."
Hundreds of people had stood in the rain to listen to the service, relayed by loudspeaker and pay tribute to their friend.
At times only the sound of a crying baby broke through the silence.
But as the Gallaghers emerged to bury their son, the rain held off. Streams of sunshine could be seen battling through the clouds.
By Rosie Uffindell
In Knockmoyle
TWENTY ONE years later, Adrian Gallagher returned to the church where he had been baptised.
Hundreds of people bowed their heads In silent respect as Adrian's friends bore his coffin to St Mary's Church, Knockmoyle.
Adrian's parents, Michael and Patsy Gallagher, and his sisters Sharon and Cathy, led the mourning for the popular and friendly lad whose passion was cars.
Mr Gallagher broke down as he read a tribute to his son.
"The horrible explosion on Saturday has blasted the life out of your body, killed 27 other people also and shattered the bodies and minds of hundreds more.
"We are very frightened by what has happened and we are broken-hearted that you are no longer to exist upon earth."
And then he stopped, unable to continue.
This fine, happy, handsome son was his parents' pride and joy, Father Kevin Mullan told the congregation.
Any future he had planned had been "blasted" from him on Saturday.
"From the ruins of our town and the ruins of our hearts, let the world of the murderous past be gone.
"Build our memories of Adrian and his poor pitiable companions into a future for us here until we join them, and slowly wipe away our tears."
Auxiliary Bishop Francis Lagan said no words could excuse or condone this "evil sinful act."
"But however terrible its consequences it was not able to destroy the kindness shown by so many people. If it was meant to destroy or divide this community it had the complete opposite effect.
"This community has now a bond that can never be broken because of the heartache they have experienced together."
Rev Derek Quinn, Rector of Cappagh Church of Ireland church, and Rev Ian Mairs of the Presbyterian Mountjoy Church drew applause when they told mourners they pledged to pray for the community and for peace.
It was a family affair. Adrian's cousin led the congregation In prayer, "We want this terrible event to make us more determined to live together," she prayed.
"I pray that never again will people use violence to further their cause."
And his cousin Gareth led the singing.
"Be not afraid, I go before you always. Come follow me and I will give you rest."
Hundreds of people had stood in the rain to listen to the service, relayed by loudspeaker and pay tribute to their friend.
At times only the sound of a crying baby broke through the silence.
But as the Gallaghers emerged to bury their son, the rain held off. Streams of sunshine could be seen battling through the clouds.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0107
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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