Athlone man's tragic death left "an unbearable void"

Local man Patrick (Paddy) Harney, who died tragically in a workplace accident in Bealnamulla last week, was described at his funeral as "a great man" who touched many lives and was "a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of this community".

A huge crowd, estimated at around 900 people, gathered in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday morning for the funeral Mass of the Old Tuam Road, Monksland, resident who was aged in his 70s.

The death of Mr Harney at the Kildea Concrete premises last Wednesday afternoon was met with deep shock and sadness locally.

The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

The chief celebrant of Monday's funeral Mass, Fr John Deignan, spoke about the profound sense of grief which had arisen from the passing of the married father of four, and grandfather of five.

"The events of the past few days have shaken us all to our core," Fr Deignan told mourners. "We struggle to understand how someone so full of life, so dedicated to his family and work, could be taken from us so unexpectedly."

He said the tragedy had left "an unbearable void" in the lives of Paddy Harney's family and friends.

"It is difficult to reconcile the vibrant life he lived with the suddenness of his passing, and we ask; Why? Why him? Why now?

"These questions echo in our hearts and in the silence of our grief. There are no easy answers, no explanations that can truly make sense out of this loss.

"In these moments of darkness we must hold tight to our faith - to the belief that even in the valley of despair God is walking with us."

Fr Deignan, who celebrated the funeral Mass alongside Fr Shay Casey, reflected on how the tragedy had affected Mr Harney's friends and workmates.

"We must remember that Paddy's death has not only impacted his immediate family, but also his wider circle of friends and especially his colleagues with Kildea Concrete.

"They, too, are grappling with the shock and pain of his sudden passing. We keep you in our prayers, that you may find solace in your shared memories of Paddy, and in the strength in your workmates, as you come to terms with this heavy loss.

"Though he was taken from us far too soon, his legacy will continue to live on in our hearts."

Symbols of Paddy Harney's life which were brought to the altar during the funeral service included a truck representing his work with Kildea Concrete, which was described as "his second home".

Other gifts brought forward were a family photo, a pair of football boots, a plant representing his love of nature and gardening, and a spanner to symbolise his talent for fixing things.

Fr Deignan said the life of Paddy Harney was defined by characteristics such as his deep love for his family, his unwavering commitment to his work, and his sincere and practical faith.

"He was, in the truest sense, a man whose actions spoke louder than words," said the St Peter and Paul's parish priest.

He added that Mr Harney was "a hard worker who was committed to finishing every job he started... he was someone you could count on, a man of his word."

The deceased was also remembered as a person whose faith has made him a regular attendee at either the 6.30pm vigil Mass or the 9am Sunday Mass.

"He didn't just profess his faith - he lived it in the kindness he showed to others, in his dedication to his family, and his hard work," said Fr Deignan.

At the end of the service, the priest expressed gratitude on behalf of the Harney family to those who had provided assistance and support in recent days including the staff of Kildea Concrete, the emergency services, the Gardai, and Fr Michael McManus, who attended at the scene and administered the last rites.

"On my own behalf, I want to acknowledge the people of the Old Tuam Road for the tremendous show of neighbourly support that I witnessed over the last week," Fr Deignan added.

Mr Harney was predeceased by his parents Michael and Vera, grandchild Emmet Claffey and niece Michelle.

He is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Margaret, sons David and Neil, daughters Aoife (Claffey) and Aileen (Beaumont), sons in law Damien and Ultan, daughter in law Siobháin, his beloved grandchildren Andrew, Georgia, Eoin, Keelin and Patrick, brothers Frank, John and Michael, sister Mary, sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues, neighbours and many friends.

Following the funeral Mass on Monday, burial took place in Drum cemetery.

May he rest in peace.