By Dionne Meehan
TWIN brothers from Letterkenny were remembered for sharing a unique and intimate bond at their Requiem Mass in Letterkenny yesterday.
Cornie McNamee, of 210 Rosuillighe, Letterkenny and his twin brother Liam McNamee, of Killyclug, Letterkenny passed away this week, just days apart.
A joint requiem Mass took place yesterday in St Eunan’s Cathedral where family, friends and neighbours gathered to say their final goodbyes.
At the Mass, Chief Celebrant Fr Damien Nejad said it was his first time to celebrate a funeral for two people, never mind twin brothers.
“Today we pray for two individuals who shared such a unique and intimate bond,” Fr Nejad said.
“Cornie and Liam McNamee, two souls who entered the world together, are now entering into eternity together.”
Born in July, 1950, Fr Nejad said the brothers’ lives have been intertwined in a way that few can imagine.
“It is with both sorrow and hope that we lay them to rest,” he said.
“The bond that Cornie and Liam shared from the very beginning is something extraordinary.
“The joy they must have brought to their parents and to all those that knew them is a testament to the deep connection they had, not just as twins, but as two beloved children of God.
“Their laughter and their companionship in the simple tasks of daily life showed us the beauty of family, the importance of being together and the love that endures.”
O’Donnell Funeral Undertakers arriving outside St Eunan’s Cathedral for yesterday’s funeral Mass for brothers Cornie and Liam McNamee.
Cornie worked as a mechanic with Kevin Shanahan on the High Road in Letterkenny and also in Hegarty’s Garage in Ballymacool for many years.
He later joined the Army Military Police in Finner Camp and served his country on a tour of duty in Cyprus.
Mourners heard how he was someone who had no TV in his home. He was very much a radio man and loved music.
He was a big fan of Highland Radio’s secret sound and also BBC World News.
Both Cornie and his brother Liam were great men for fishing and they used to spend many hours by Lough Swilly and the local rivers.
Liam worked in James Doherty’s abattoir before moving to London where he worked on building sites.
Later, he too joined the army where he became a celebrated chef.
He won many awards and had the privilege of cooking at many large events, serving up platters of fresh salmon and oysters from Killybegs.
He was also a talented footballer and snooker player.
Fr Nejad said he was a great man for chatting and he enjoyed a board game called Rummikub, which he played with his brothers Cornie and Hugo.
A guard of honour following the funeral of twins, Cornie and Liam McNamee, at St Eunan’s Cathedral yesterday.
Along with being brothers in real life, they were also “brothers in arms” having both served with the Irish Defence Forces.
“As we lay Cornie and Liam to rest, we remember not only their shared service to this country, but also, the lives they lived with honour, integrity and love,” Fr Nejad continued.
“This says a lot to us about the strength of the family and the deep connection that existed between them both.
“They had courage, a devotion to duty and a great love, especially for those they held dear.
“Cornie and Liam, through their service, demonstrated their love and the people that knew them experienced that in a special way.”
Former army colleagues formed a guard of honour before and after yesterday’s Mass. They also acted as military pallbearers.
Interment took place in Conwal Cemetery where Liam and Cornie were laid to rest together.
The McNamee twins are deeply missed by their brothers Hugo, TJ and Danny, sister Bernadette, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
They are predeceased by their parents Tommy and Bridie.
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