Barry Roche, Southern
Correspondent, in Tralee
The death of a father of five children stabbed on New Year's Eve was all the more difficult to bear when it came at what was usually a time of great joy and celebration, some 300 mourners at his funeral were told yesterday.
Mgr Dan O'Riordan said that the death of Michael Lonergan (34), Balloonagh Estate, Tralee, Co Kerry, was made all the more poignant and tragic by the fact that it happened during the Christmas season.
Mgr O'Riordan told mourners at St John's church in Tralee that it was particularly sad to be holding Mr Lonergan's funeral at a time when the Christmas crib was still on display in the church with its message of joy and celebration.
"Little did I think when I heard the sirens go by on New Year's Eve that a few hours later we would be gathered in the hospital praying for Michael. It isn't how any of us would have planned it."
Mr Lonergan died at Kerry General Hospital at 10.30pm on December 31st after suffering a number of stab wounds during a row at a party at his house shortly before 7pm.
Mgr O'Riordan said that it was a particularly difficult time for Mr Lonergan's family, especially his partner, Yvonne Coffey, and their children, Tiffany, Claudia, Tori, Amber and Michael, who are aged from four years to 15. However, the local community had rallied around and shown great sympathy for the family as they sought to deal with their grief.
Mgr O'Riordan prayed that people might find forgiveness in their hearts as Jesus had done. He said Mr Lonergan's family would remember him more for his successes than his failings and that was how it should be with all people.
He said that the Lonergan and Coffey families were anxious to pay tribute to the emergency services for their professionalism and sensitivity.
Mr Lonergan's funeral came just a day after his brother, Ailbe Lonergan (31), Quill Street, Tralee, appeared at Tralee District Court where he was remanded in continuing custody on a charge of murdering his brother.