McNulty's, Mark
October 13, 2010Mourners who turned out to pay their respects to the late Peter McNulty were last week urged to seek support in times of need.
Huge crowds attended the removal on Tuesday evening and funeral mass in Portlaoise last Wednesday of the late Portlaoise and Laois GAA star. Msgr John Byrne, PP, asked those in attendance not to be afraid to seek out help if they are overwhelmed by life's troubles.
"Today should strengthen our resolve to take care of each other," said Msgr Byrne. "And if there is anyone out there listening to me, who is overwhelmed, please know that there are supports. There are a number of supports within the parish and I ask people to use them.
Peter was a sensitive, caring, troubled young man and I know his message to us today would be to take care of each other."
Peter's older brother Malachy, and his father Malachy senior, also paid tribute to his brother and re-iterated Msgr Byrne's message.
"We all support each other here today and we must not be afraid to seek support from each other in the future," said Malachy junior.
Malachy remembered Peter as a brother, a footballer and a friend and recalled some of their happier moments together before performing Bruce Springsteen's 'Terry's Song' which included the significant lyrics "When they built you brother, they broke the mould".
Peter's relatives, friends and clubmates brought up gifts including the Laois and Leinster Club SFC trophies as well as the All Ireland minor trophy that Peter won with Laois in 2003. His framed degree was also offered up.
A video clip of some of his highlights as a player was also played in the church and a guard of honour was formed by the portlaoise GAA club and by Laois GAA.
Peter's team-mates were back in football action on Saturday night when they beat Stradbally to book their place in the laois SFC final.
The club's intermediate team clapped the senior team onto the field prior to the game and a tribute banner was displayed on the terrace.
A minute's silence was also observed and when Malachy was introduced as a sub late in the game, he received a ovation from the Portlaoise and Stradbally supporters.
Malachy and the rest of the players acknowledged the loyal support of their fans at the scoreboard end at the end of the game.
Courtesy of the Leinster Express 13/10/10 Tweet
