Priest told victims’ children that dad is reunited with wife who died in 2023
THERE were heartbreaking scenes at the funeral of a tragically killed motorcyclist who sadly died last weekend.
Anthony McBride, from Ards in Creeslough, was fatally injured on the N56 at Termon around 4.30pm last Friday.
Tragically, the motorcyclist in his 60s lost his life.
A family death notice revealed that Anthony’s wife Veronica died just three years ago.
The late Anthony McBride.
Today, the couple’s sons Patrick and Cailean buried their dad following Mass in St Michael’s Church, Creeslough.
A photo of Anthony was on the altar as his coffin was carried in to the hymn How Great Thou Art.
The family heard from the Mass celebrant Fr John Joe Duffy that their parents are now reunited in heaven.
Fr Duffy, who comforted the families of an explosion that killed 10 people in Creeslough in 2022, also yesterday supported Anthony’s boys Patrick and Cailean.
He said: “Today is a very sad day for all of you, travelling to be here from the US, Australia, and the UK to support the family.
“We begin by offering our sympathies and support to Anthony’s son Patrick and his wife Kristina, and son Cailean and his wife Shay, and also Antony’s siblings, who he was very close with.
“We also pray for Anthony’s beloved wife Veronica and we pray that they are united now for eternity.
“We pray that your dad is now experiencing peace with your mother in heaven.”
SOUL MATE AND BEST FRIEND
He added: “Veronica was not just his wife, but also his soul mate and best friend and it is some consolation that they are now back together.”
Fr Duffy said that Anthony always attended 9am Mass and was a “highly intelligent man” and had a “love that was enduring for his wife and family”.
He added: “The last few years were tough for your dad, following the death of your mum. It was a pain that he carried. I could see it in his eyes, see it emanating from his heart.
“But he did not let that pain define him; he worked through it. He went on a trip to America earlier this year and friends said that helped him.
“He cared for your mum so very much and learned how to administer intravenous injections.”
Three symbols of Anthony’s life were presented, including a family photo, a pair of motorcycle gloves, and his channel lock tool, which the expert plumber used at work.
Fr Duffy said: “These symbols were some of Anthony’s most precious. His family were most important to him.
“He had great passion for motorcycling and his channel locks were his go to device at work, which he had a great talent for.”
He said: “Anthony loved his hobby, loved going on his motorbike.”
ACCIDENTS CHANGE LIVES
Fr Duffy also remembered hero Donegal 1992 All-Ireland winner James McHugh and his wife Noreen, who died this week following a road collision in Cavan.
He said: “Accidents can happen in a moment and change of lives. It reminds us how fragile life is.”
Mr McBride’s son Cailean and his brother Patrick’s wife Kristina read the readings.
Friends also paid tribute online, with one saying Anthony was a “gentleman to work with and very knowledgeable in his trade”.