A Letterkenny priest has urged young people to be kind to one another in difficult times.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie made his comments at the Requiem Mass in St. Eunan’s Cathedral on Wednesday of Fionn McLaughlin, 7 Raymoghey Heights, Manorcunningham, who died suddenly last weekend.
Chief Celebrant, Mgr Gillespie was joined by con-celebrants Fr Martin Cunnigham, Drumoghill PP, Fr Philip Kemmy, Newtowncunningham PP and Fr Shane Gallagher, the Chaplain at Letterkenny University Hospital
Fionn, who was the beloved son of Rosa McLaughlin, was fondly remembered for his kindness, budding leadership and love for sport.
He was a member of Letterkenny Rovers, St Eunan’s GAA and Letterkenny Rugby Club.
“Fionn loved the game, but more than anything he wanted to excel at it. Only last week he had made the Donegal Junior team,” Mgr Gillespie said.
“As Rosa put it, on the field he found a confidence that was difficult to show off the field. On the field he was able to find his budding leadership, he was able to form good friendships, he was able to achieve what he knew he had within him.
“For all the young people who have to figure this out in their minds, between shock and confusion, I would say to you, look to your mentors, look to your parents.
Sadly missed – Fionn McLaughlin
“They’re there to speak a word to you that you can trust, that’s spoken to build you up and that is spoken in loving kindness.
“To you our friends, peers, classmates and teammates of Fionn, we do worry about you.
“So many words come your way, and so many voices that seem so much more persuasive than those of your parents, your coaches, your mentors and good friends.
“If we were asked what good might come from this sorrowful day it is that we would speak words of loving kindness to one another.
“That is the thing that Rosa wanted you to know more than anything else,” said Mgr. Gillespie.
The beloved son of Rosa McLaughlin, Fionn was predeceased by his loving grandparents Barbara and Joe McLaughlin, Ballyboe, Lismonaghan.
He will be sadly missed by his uncles Joe and Liam, aunties Elizabeth and Shauna, cousins and wide circle of family and friends.
Following Wednesay’s Mass burial took place in Conwal Cemetery.
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