Over 800 mourners attended the funeral in St Joseph's Chapel in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, yesterday of local woman Linda Crossan, who drowned while swimming in the ocean at a Thai holiday resort called Koh Samui a week ago.
Local curate Fr Michael Jordan said: "We are all in shock after Linda's death, but especially her father Patsy and her four brothers Donal, Jonathon, Declan and Noel, along with her extended family."
He told the congregation she had gone to a part of the world she loved. He said she enjoyed making friends, and while at home "had a great bond with her godson and her nieces and nephews. Linda died at just 28, but she had so many plans for her life, but they were not to be in her short life."
Fr Jordan added: "She was full of life and was always there to help others. She cared lovingly for all the patients in her care in the Beaumont. She was very conscious of the needs of the Third World, and even unknown to her family she made a monthly contribution to World Vision. But family was also very important to Linda - apart from her father and four brothers she could talk and help any of her extended family."
The curate reminded the congregation that "the death of Linda's mother, Laura, seven years ago changed her life. Today she will be reunited with her."
Amid poignant scenes, Linda's coffin was carried from the chapel to the hearse by her father, brothers and a family friend. The cortege then made its way from the chapel to St Joseph's Cemetery one mile from the chapel on the Dundalk road, where Linda was interred with her late mother.
Many businesses in Carrickmacross closed during the funeral service.