He was described as a 'Fear Gael' and a man with tremendous Irish spirit, so it was only fitting that the late Private Aidan Holly was buried with full military honours in his home town of Tarbert on Monday, flanked by his Irish army comrades, loving family and friends. Draped in a tri-colour, the young Tarbert man's coffin was shouldered to his final resting place at St Mary's cemetery by his colleagues at the fourth battalion of Collins Barracks, amid scenes that were somehow, both heartbreaking, but equally heartwarming. As gun shots were fired into a dull and sorrowful Tarbert sky, a solitary bagpipe was played in the background- the impressive military display by hundreds of comrades giving some sense of comfort and, undoubtably huge pride to the 23 year old's heartbroken parents, brothers, sister and extended family. Although his life was, in the words of the Parish priest Fr Francis Nolan, cut so cruelly short, Aidan Holly certainly certainly certainly left an impression. This was evident from the tributes that flowed from the pulpit, not only from the local priest, but from family friends and comrades. Describing the shock, numbness and pain that has engulfed the village since Aidan's tragic death reached Tarbert, Fr Nolan said that Monday's funeral mass was a time to reflect on Aidan's 'short, but full life.' He spoke of the sense of pride that being in the army meant to A idan right up until his death and described his many passions, including soccer and football. - Aidan was a member of both the Ferry Rangers soccer and the Tarbert GAA clubs. He even managed to raise a few smiles and much needed giggles from the heartbroken congregation when he mentioned that Aidan's favourite TV programme was Father Ted. "Sure could you get any better," Father Nolan joked. Aidan also had a huge love of Irish history and his next project, according to the parish priest, was to improve his spoken Irish. Alas that was not to happen. "He was a young man with so much promise and tremendous Irish spirit. A Fear Gael," he said. "He was out-going, fun loving and humourous and it was this personality that endeared him to so many." Describing Aidan as a man who embraced life, Fr Nolan said that those who mourn him must now do the same and use the gift of life to make the community a better place. "As you move on, you leave a huge gap in our hearts. None of us can have any idea of the pain your family is suffering, but though we need to weep your loss, you are now in a place that no storm can ever reach.," he said. In a heart renching tribute to his comrade Private Fahey offered condolences to the Holly family on behalf of the fourth infantry battalion and spoke with emotion about his 'great friend,' his 'true friend.' "From the first day you came into the barracks, you brought life and laughter. You were a great character," he said. "If any of the young lads needed advice or needed to be picked up when they got knocked down, they went to you." He remembered fondly a recent trip Aidan made to a cheese rolling competition in England, where he dressed a s a clown and rolled down the hill after some cheese. "You came fourth out of 400. You didnt get the cheese but you did achieve what you wanted to. You will always be missed by all of us. Holly, you're loved and never forgotten- look around," he said, holding back the tears. Also full of praise for the young soldier was his aunt Bernie, who said he always had a 'certain curiosity towards life' and was always willing to conquer new challenges. "Your memory will live on in all our hearts and although you are sadly missed, you will never be forgotten," she said. Before removing Aidan's remains to his final resting place, Fr. Nolan thanked his army comrades for their presence and praised Aidan's family and friends for their dignity, courage and wonderful strength during this heart-breaking week. He also paid tribute to the community of Tarbert for showing its 'true Christian way' during the past few days- sentiments that were earlier praised by Mary Holly, who said that the family was completely overwhelmed by the support, sympathy and practical assistance they received during the 'most difficult week of their life.' The Kerryman, Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Tweet

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