DEVINE and LYNCH, Kevin and John

DEVINE and LYNCH (Dublin) We, the parents, brothers and sister of Kevin Devine (late of Drogheda) and the sisters of John Lynch (late of Melbourne), together with our families, deeply appreciate and thank all those who supported us in so many ways following the heart-breaking loss of Kevin and John in a drowning accident in Crete on August 29, 2014. We were overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of kindness and the countless messages of condolence which we received from Ireland, Australia and beyond. We thank all our relations, neighbours, colleagues and friends who supported us. To all who travelled great distances, telephoned, took time to visit us, baked and cooked to sustain us, sent floral tributes, Mass cards and messages of sympathy, each of you in your own way carried us through and we are so very grateful. To those good Samaritans who were on the beach in Crete particularly Jan Peol and Dr. Chryssoula Karanastasi of Athens who bravely and selflessly fought to try and save Kevin and John; there are no words to properly thank you. You will remain forever in our thoughts and prayers. A very special thank you to Giorgio Kastanakis of Kissamou, Christos Papadopetrakis of Rethymno, Sofia of Kissamous Port Authority and Lynne Muir of Melbourne each of whom provided vital help. Our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who helped us in the days immediately following Kevin and John's tragic death. To the team at the VHI, Catherine Aylward (Irish Embassy in Athens), Ioannis Xenikakis (Honourary Consul to Crete), Azul O'Flaherty (Dept. of Foreign Affairs), An Garda Síochána especially Det. Denis Sexton; thank you for your guidance, help and support in bringing Kevin and John home. Thank you to Watsons Funeral Directors, Drogheda for their compassion, care and support. We thank those who attended the Service of Remembrance on Sunday, September 7, 2014 and the Requiem Mass on Monday, September 8, 2014 in St. Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin. We thank also those who attended Glasnevin and Calvary Cemeteries. The presence and support of so many people was of great comfort and gave us strength when we needed it most. The pastoral care of Prior Fr. Christopher Clarke, Fr. Michael Brown and Fr Micháel Mac Laifeartaigh (St. Teresa's, Clarendon Street), Fr. Phil Gaffney P.P. and Fr. Joe Campbell (St. Mary's, Drogheda), Fr. Richard Sheehy (Our Lady of Dolours, Glasnevin), Fr. Dermod McCarthy (RTÉ) and Fr. Robert McCabe (Irish Army) provided immense solace in such difficult times. Thank you to Mary Sheehy and all of the staff at St. Teresa's for their tremendous efforts and kind hospitality. Music was a cornerstone of Kevin and John's lives and the beautiful music chosen enhanced the Service of Remembrance and Requiem Mass. Sincere thanks to the wonderful Choir of St. Teresa's including Musical Director, Ronan McDonagh, Choir Leader, Gráinne Gormley and soloist Catherine Redding. John's colleagues in the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra played so movingly at our time of deep personal loss and sadness. Particular thanks to those who performed special pieces in the services: Maria Tecce, Liam Halligan, Eilín Ní Beaglaoich, Elaine Clarke, Elizabeth McLaren, Audrey McAllister, Síona Loughnane, Miki Tsunoda, Jane Hughes, Cian Loughnane, Orla and Ciara Brannigan, Margaret Brennan and Seamus Brett. Thank you to Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and Secretary General Ambrose McLoughlin and all the staff of the Department of Health, especially Kevin's colleague David Owens. Sincere thanks to Director General of RTÉ, Noel Curran and all of the RTÉ staff, in particular Assumpta Lawless, for their unfailing support. Thanks also to John's colleagues in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kevin and John were loved by so many people. The outpouring of grief expressed by their friends, neighbours, colleagues and extended families constantly reminds us that we are not alone in mourning and in our struggle to come to terms with our lives without them and the loss of that joy, happiness and love which had been their daily gift to us. The kind deeds and actions of so many people have spoken louder than any words but we hope that this acknowledgement can in some small way convey our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all your kindness and support. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions and you will remain in our prayers. Suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anamacha dílse.