FLAVIN

FLAVIN (Donal) (Ballyduff, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford and late of Inch, Killeagh, Co. Cork) -"Then sing, ye birds, sing,
sing a joyous song!
What though the radiance
which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind."
One year has passed since Dónal left us, not easily, but with great courage. His huge will to live until he no longer could was a measure of his love of life and the people close to him. We are numbed but we take courage from the strength and love that he showed us. Dónal, we feel privileged and honoured to have journeyed the path, however short, by your side. We have been surrounded by the love and support of family and true friends, and for this we are truly grateful. To our wonderful extended families, on both sides, and Dónal's friends and work colleagues at Waterford Institute of Technology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, N.I.S.T., Boulder, Colorado who lifted the workload from his shoulders and stood by him in his hour of need and helped us in very many ways through his illness and at the time of his death and continue to support us; to our friends and neighbours in Inch, Kilmacow and Ballyduff a sincere and heartfelt thank you. We pay tribute to all the priests who officiated at the ceremonies for generously giving of their time and for putting deep thought and true feeling into the funeral services. To our caring District Nurse and to the dedicated staff of Waterford Regional Hospital who were extremely supportive throughout Dónal's illness we are deeply indebted. To the tight-knit community of Inch who welcomed Dónal home and did everything possible to help us when we needed it most, we offer our deep appreciation. Our sincere thanks to the members of the Waterford Cancer Foundation who willingly give of their time, support and counselling on an ongoing basis to all those who find themselves facing the trauma of cancer. There are many people we would like to thank individually. Whatever it was you did to sympathise with us or help us in any way - travelling long distances (especially friends from Scotland), sending cards and letters of sympathy, telephoning and visiting us or giving donations to the Cancer Foundation, your kind thoughts, words and deeds are a great tribute to Dónal's memory.
Faoi scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir. Carmelita, Julie, Anthony, Eileen, Monica and Angela Flavin.