Eoinie remembered for a deep devotion to faith, family and community

While many of the tributes paid to Walderstown’s Eoinie Farrell since the devastating news broke of his untimely death this week concentrated on his prowess as a sportsman, his Funeral Mass today (Wednesday) spoke of a man with a “razor sharp wit” who “transcended all boundaries” when it came to making friends and had a deep devotion to his faith, his family and his community.

The 39-year-old son of Cllr Tom Farrell and his wife, Goretti, passed away in South Westmeath Hospice on Sunday night, July 3, after a brave battle with cancer which he fought with “courage, resilience and fortitude” over the past year, his uncle Eamonn told the overflowing congregation at his Funeral Mass.

In a deeply moving tribute to his nephew at the beginning of his Funeral Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Drumraney today, Eamonn said Eoinie had specifically requested that the Mass be “a celebration of his life”.

The many symbols brought to the altar signified a life which – although cruelly cut short while he was in his prime - was full of determination, achievement, friendship, faith, fun and unbridled love and laughter.

One of the most poignant symbols of the many achievements of Eoinie Farrell was his treasured Leinster minor championship medal from 2000 which was brought to the Altar along with a number of football jerseys to signify his footballing career not just with his beloved local club, Maryland, but which had also taken him as far away as Chicago and New Zealand.

Other symbols included a calculator to signify his work as an accountant. He was described as a much-loved and valued work colleague who was meticulous in everything he did. “No task was ever left undone, and no question was left unanswered,” said his uncle, and "he never, ever courted praise.”

In his homily, chief celebrant, Monsignor John Byrne, said the death of one so young begged the question, “How unfair can life be, why should one so young be taken away," and he added that "we stand by uncomprehending the ways of God."

In recent meetings with Eoinie, Monsignor Byrne said he had been " "very impressed" with the determination with which he fought his illness and his "acceptance of what was to come."

He described Eoinie Farrell as a man who was “talented in so many ways” and “a really good, caring person” who was “totally devoted to his wife, Eimear, and his family.”

Eoinie Farrell was laid to rest in Drumraney Cemetery this afternoon. He is survived by his wife, Eimear (née Murphy); his parents, Tom and Goretti, sisters Karen and Lorraine, brothers Eddie, Conor, Trevor and Ronan, relatives and a wide circle of friends at home and abroad.

See full report in next week's Westmeath Independent.