O'KELLY, Eoin

O'KELLY, Eoin - We, the family of Eoin O'Kelly, cherished son of Kieran and Margaret, brother of Niamh and Kieran, brother-in-law of Shane (Harnett), and devoted uncle of Lauren, Julian and Ella, wish to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to all who helped us in big ways and small, following the departure of our beloved Eoin on March 4, 2012. To all our neighbours, who wove a tapestry of support around us, providing food and refreshments and opening their homes to those who travelled to be near us. To Mary T & Denis, who as funeral directors, helped so much in the logistics of Eoin's final journey home from Australia in such a sensitive and caring fashion and who helped organise his funeral with such professionalism. To Mícheál Boland, for accompanying Eoin on that last trip home. To our friends and extended family who made the journey with us in bringing him back to Galway from Dublin Airport. To Aidan, for organising our ease of passage onto the motorway and driving up and down to Dublin. To all the friends and neighbours who lined the road to welcome him home. To Fr. Tadhg, who was immediately on hand, to offer solace and comfort. To Paul Cuddy who drove to Dublin Airport to collect visitors when we were unable to do so. To everyone who came to the house, who stood with us in our grief during the short time we had him at home. To Fr. Jim Noonan CC Foynes who said prayers at the house. To all who attended the funeral and burial afterwards, some of whom travelling enormous distances to do so. To Fr. Tadhg Quinn PP Knocknacarra who celebrated Mass in our house on Sunday night and concelebrated the funeral Mass with Fr. Gerry Jennings PP Salthill, Fr. Austin McNamara Adm St John's Cathedral, Limerick, Fr. Joe Cussen CC Kilmallock, Fr. Tony O'Keeffe PP Shanagolden, Fr. Pat Bluett CC Newcastlewest and Fr. Tony Mullins PP Dromin Athlacca whose singing brought comfort to all. To everyone who contributed to and participated in the funeral Mass, most especially to all the musicians who honoured Eoin's life in the most appropriate, personal and uplifting way. To the members of Tribesmen Rowing Club who provided the guard of honour. To Padraig Joyce who sang at the graveside so beautifully. To the management and staff of the Galway Bay Hotel who catered for us all so well. To the cemetery staff who prepared Eoin's final place of rest. To everyone who quietly did things behind the scenes, whose kindness and generosity made such a difference at a most difficult time. To each and everyone who took time to send cards, write beautiful letters, send emails, forward photographs and share their memories of Eoin. To all of Eoin's friends who formed a bedrock of support for us despite their own grief. To everyone who contributed to "The Big Book of Eoin", John, it was a wonderful idea, it is still being added to and we treasure it dearly. And to everyone who was involved in the Eoineen Tribute night in Kelly's, words cannot describe how the essence of Eoin was truly captured and celebrated to the full. Finally, a big thank you to Eoin, for being such a bright light in our lives, which will never be extinguished. As a token of appreciation to everyone whose continued outpouring of compassion and love has kept us going, Mass has been offered for your intentions. First Anniversary Mass, Sunday March 3, 12 noon, St John the Apostle Church, Knocknacarra.