A Co Tyrone man who died after getting into difficulties in a river brought “life and light” to the lives of those who loved him, a priest has said at his funeral.
Eddie Morris was “a man full of life, a carefree spirit who lived life to the fullest,” the Rev. Patrick Hannigan told those in attendance at the funeral Mass at the Church of the Ascension in Tullialen.
The tragic incident happened last Wednesday in the River Barrow, near the city of Carlow.
The 39-year-old man was pulled from the water, but despite best efforts by emergency services to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mourners at his funeral were led by his partner of 18 years, Andrea O’Neill, the couple’s seven-year-old daughter Sienna, Mr Maurice’s mother Mary and his nine siblings.
Mr Morris, a carpenter by trade and a talented musician and footballer, grew up near Dungannon but in recent years lived in the Kilkea area of Co Kildare.
Addressing worshipers at the funeral, Fr Hannigan said the community was “shocked and saddened” by Mr Morris’ death.
The parish priest said Mr Morris’ many qualities were “immeasurable” and that he would live on “thanks to all the memories, love and prayers” of those who knew him.
“In these difficult times, we are left to lean on our faith and our faith in God and ask Him to guide us and give us the strength to get through today and the days ahead,” Father Hannigan said.
“When we have difficult days, it can help to focus on what Paddy has achieved in his life and the positive memories his family and friends have of him.
“As a child, Patrick Morris attended St Mary’s Primary School in Cabragh and then St Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley. Studied Music Technology in Derry.
“Wherever Paddy went he played GAA football – at school, Monaghan, Liverpool, Grange and Milford in Carlow. He was a very competitive young man.”
Fr Hannigan spoke of Mr Morris’ talents as a musician, starting with recorder and trumpet before moving on to tin whistle, guitar and drums.
He was also a singer-songwriter who played in a band for many years, recorded an album and was a member of the South Ulster Youth Orchestra.
Speaking about last week’s tragedy, Fr Hannigan said: “The emergency services came to his aid very quickly, very quickly, on the day he died accidentally.
“[We have] so many memories, so much life and light Patrick brought to his family.
“He was a man full of life, a carefree spirit who lived his life to the fullest.
“These are all qualities that cannot be measured by time and I’m sure you all have your own memories of Paddy.
“Although Paddy has passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven, he remains with us through all the memories, love and prayers of us all.”
After a requiem mass, Mr Morris was laid to rest at St John the Baptist Church Cemetery in Galala.
