Sheridan, Dermot
April 11, 2009
The Late Dermot Sheridan
St Patrick's Church, Parteen, was overflowing with mourners for Sunday's funeral Mass of Dermot Sheridan, 24, who died tragically in a helicopter crash in Kildare.
It was Mr Sheridan's dream to be a pilot, and he had already built up 60 hours flight time when he took off from Weston Aerodrome on a training flight to Cork.
Half-an-hour after take off, the helicopter collided with overhead power lines and crashed into Kilmurray bog.
Hundreds of young people sympathised with his mother, Carmel, who works with Limerick VEC, and sister ; Catherine 21, at their family home in Blackwater, Ardnacrusha, where his remains reposed.
His late father Dermot a well-known vet in south east Clare, died in 2001.
Members of Parteen St Nicholas GAA Club, Shannon Rugby Club and Monkstown Rugby Club formed a guard of honour for the popular sportsman.
The PRO of Parteen St Nicholas GAA Club, Ned O'Connor, described Mr Sheridan "as a great character and enjoyable company who will be spoken of with humour and fondness by all who knew him. His sudden death at such at young age has left the whole community shocked, and are all the poorer for his passing."
Mr Sheridan was affectionately known as "woolly" because of his hair, and his sister Catherine told the congregation, and she added, she was always telling him to cut it.
She said her brother never worried about his exams, telling her: "Sure I'll pass them the next time".
Ms Sheridan said she did not realise her brother had so many friends, ad paid particular thanks to the sports clubs for their support.
He played football and hurling for Parteen St Nicholas GAA Club at underage and intermediate levels, and was on the winning Junior A Hurling Championship team in 2005.
He studied engineering at LIT and was co-op in Dublin, working with CLG construction company. While working in the capital he joined Monkstown Rugby Club in September 2008.
The chairman of Parteen St Nicholas GAA Club, PJ Doherty gave the graveside oration at Relig Lua cemetery, Killaloe, and spoke of how Mr Sheridan could play anywhere in the team.
Mr Sheridan was under taking a training programme with pilot Colm Clancy from Donegal, who also died in the helicopter crash. The 34 year old flight instructor was laid to rest in his native Derrybeg.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader
11th April 2009
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