THE devastated family of a man who tragically died in a sea festival last weekend said emotional farewells at his funeral today.
Damien McGuinness (55), from Killybegs, died in Castletownbere, Co Cork, during the town’s annual Festival of the Sea last Saturday.
Damien, who is predeceased by his father Peter, was buried by his mother Susan, sister Claire, and brother Seamus.
They heard at his funeral Mass in St Mary of the Visitation Church, Killybegs, that love for Damien inspired mourners to queue for hours to pay their respects.
The Mass celebrant recalled how Damien was baptised and made his First Communion and Confirmation in the same church.
He said: “When news filtered through that Damien lost his life in the waters of Castletownbere there was a palpable sense of shock. He was so young and active. He didn’t even look 55.”
The priest added: “We give thanks for Damien’s 55 years and pray for peace, comfort, and strength for his mother Susan, his brother Seamus, his sister Claire, and his two nieces Lauren and Lara and all who mourn Damien’s sudden passing from this world and are here to be with the McGuinness family in their great loss.
“There was a continuous queue at the funeral home on Tuesday for four hours as people waited to pay their respects.”
Tributes were also paid before the Mass for Damien.
Damien McGuinness died sadly at a sea festival in Cork.
He was described as a “one of life’s good ones” and as a “great, kind-hearted man” and a “gentle soul”.
A cousin said: “It’s hard to put into words how saddened I am by the loss of my cousin Damien.
“We didn’t just grow up as family, we also had the chance to work together, and I’ll always be grateful for those times.
“We shared plenty of laughs, and made memories I’ll never forget.”
He added: “Damien was one of the good ones, and life won’t be the same without him. I’ll miss seeing his face, hearing his laugh.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of Damien’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, cousin.
“You’ll always have a special place in my heart and I’ll carry the memories of you with me always.”