by Róise Collins
The heartbroken family and friends of Conor Temple gathered at the Church of the Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, this morning for his Funeral Mass.
The Killygordon teenager passed away in a tragic drowning accident on Thursday evening.
The congregation heard how the 13-year-old was a beautiful, bright light whose short life was filled with love, laughter and simple joy and how he “touched hearts with his kindness and infectious smile.”
Stranorlar parish priest Very Rev Fr Kieran McAteer, said the large crowds gathered this morning spoke volumes of the love and community that enveloped Conor throughout his sadly short life.
“His unique journey taught us all the valuable lessons of empathy, patience and unconditional love.
“In his own unique way, Conor showed us the beauty of resilience and the immeasurable value of kindness,” he said.
Fr McAteer spoke of receiving the call on Thursday evening and going to meet Conor’s family.
He said he met his father, Aidan, outside and hugged him.
“I just gave everyone a hug… no words from me were ever going to be heard… no words were necessary that night.”
“It was important because later I learned that Conor loved to give hugs, so it was instinctual in a house that had Conor to thank for expressing his love so openly.”
He spoke of the inspirational joy which was the heart of the Temple family and their wider community.
The symbols which represented Conor’s short life were brought to the altar. They included a ball.
The congregation heard how he loved to play with his ball and enjoyed endless hours of fun hitting it into the air.
A single balloon was also carried to the altar. Conor loved balloons and watching them fly into the sky as he let them go.
Among the gifts was a picture of Conor with his big sister, Aoibhinn, which represented his deep love for his entire family.
The final gift was his school bag. Conor was a student at Little Angels, where he loved going every day. He especially loved seeing the bus coming to collect him in the morning.
Those gathered heard how he loved baking Rice Krispie buns and going grocery shopping with his mum, Clare.
Conor was a real helper, filling the trolley and then the shopping bags. Staff in the local Aldi knew him well and always greeted him.
“They saw the joy that he brought every time he walked through the doors with Clare.”
Fr McAteer also spoke of Conor’s love of nature and how he would help his dad on the farm. He had a great affinity with the animals, especially the horses.
“Conor’s journey through life was coloured by his unique perspective. He saw the world differently and often more purely than many of us do.
“He found fascination in the small details, the rhythm of the river and the whispers of the trees around him in Drumboe.
“These were not just places to him; they were extensions of his spirit and they gave him a sense of adventure and belonging.”
Fr McAteer spoke of the painful juxtaposition of loss amidst the hopeful season of Christmas and the importance of standing together as a community to support the Temple family.
“It is important for us to remember this is a moment for community, where family, neighbours and friends come together to wrap our arms around one another in love. It is the community support, the simple acts of being present, that bring the most comfort during our deepest sorrows.
“When I first met Conor’s family, I offered hugs because I knew that in times of profound loss, sometimes no words are necessary – just being there, holding one another in solidarity, speaks volumes of love and understanding.
“It is in these intimate moments that we begin to heal.”
Requiem Mass was followed by interment in Drumboe Cemetery.
Conor is the beloved son of Clare and Aidan, much-loved brother of Aoibhinn and Matthew, cherished grandson of Carmel and Laurence, and the late Bridget and Pat.
He will be deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
