Fr David Brennan and Fr Peter Farrelly celebrated the the 20th anniversary mass at Church of the Assumption, Beauparc for Lisa Callan, Aimee McCabe, Sinéad Ledwidge, Deirdre Scanlon and Clare McCluskey. Their families, friends and parishioners came together to remember and to also celebrate their young lives tragically taken on the May afternoon on the Monday 23rd May, 20 years ago.
Members of the families brought up pictures of the girls and five lit candles on the altar dedicated to each girl representing eternal life in the Christian belief, we will all rise again. The anniversary mass was an opportunity when the families and congregation came together as one to show unity and remember the girls. The grief and loss of girls is still felt but the family will take comfort from the continuing support of the local community.
Although now retired Fr Farrelly would have been the acting parish priest when the accident occurred, he was a tower of strength and support back then along with Fr David Hanlon and the priests parish of Rossnaree. He gave the Gospel reading last night and along with Fr Brennan, the choir and congregation produced a solemn but loving service.
Everyone that attended or linked in on the live stream from across the world got the opportunity to pay respects and remember the girls.
It was a fitting tribute and Fr Brennan thanked everyone who contributed on the day in whatever way they helped. There was a steady stream of visitors into the parish with national and local media covering the day.
The final hymn ”How Great Thou Art” was applicable to the parish of Beauparc and the ”awesome wonder” in the families dealing with the loss but still having faith in The Lord, Our God.
There were refreshments and home made buns, cakes and pastries served after the mass in the parish hall giving people the opportunity to meet up to chat and reflect in the tight knit community.
Church of the Assumption, Beauparc.
