By Dionne Meehan
MOURNERS at the funeral of Letterkenny man Ryan Chan were asked to keep his partner Megan and their two children in their thoughts at this sad time.
Fr Eamonn Kelly, the celebrant at this morning’s Funeral Mass spoke of the sadness within the community since Ryan’s untimely passing in Albufeira, Portugal earlier this month.
Mr Chan’s remains were repatriated from Portugal with the assistance of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust after his body was discovered in a police cell on September 11.
The 29 year-old restaurant worker, late of 4 Kiltoy Court, had been in Portugal to attend a wedding along with family members.
Requiem Mass was celebrated this morning in the Church of the Irish Martyrs.
“Ever since the year 2001, 9/11 has been etched in our minds,” Fr Kelly said.
“Now, it is doubly etched because of the sudden and untimely death of Ryan Chan.
“For all his beloved family, it is a day that will not be forgotten.
“When they left Donegal, it was for fun and enjoyment, for delight and merriment.
“No one could have imagined the sadness that would take place and the tragedy that was about to unfold,” he said.
Fr Kelly urged those in attendance to support Ryan’s partner Megan, his sons and his family at this sad time.
“By your very presence, you tell them they are not on their own.
“Your presence tells of your sorrow, of your care, of your wanting to help, of your desiring to share the agony of these moments, these hours, these days and these weeks.
“I thank you all for your efforts of support for they do mean a lot to Ryan’s family and all his connection,” he said.
“Even though Ryan has died as a very young man and his life was short, he lived a very full life with his Megan and boys,” Fr Kelly continued.
“It was a busy household taking care of Ezra and Eli.
“With work and the preparation for that work, it was hectic indeed.
“Where he got time for anything else is hard to say, but he did enjoy a full series of hobbies including hunting, fishing, golf, darts and an odd game of poker.
“Strong and quiet by nature, Ryan fitted a lot into his time among us,” he said.
Mr Chan also had another great love, Liverpool Football Club.
“In the words of their anthem, we hear the words, ‘and you’ll never walk alone’,” Very Rev Kelly continued.
“This song, taken over by Liverpool and other clubs including Celtic, was written as a hymn in praise of God.
“This is the truth of the Christian life that you will never walk alone,” he said.
Fr Kelly concluded by reciting the words of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Following Mass, burial took place in Conwal Cemetery.
Mr Chan is survived by his partner Megan and their children Ezra and Eli, mother Frances, father Bobby and his wife Yvonne, brother Connor, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
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