Hourigan, Steven
January 15, 2011Popular young man from Caherconlish
The entire communities of Caherconlish and Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary were frozen into deep shock and sadness by the tragic passing of Steve Hourigan, 31, on December 27 last. It was as if time stood still as people who knew and loved Steve tried to come to terms with their grief.
There were two parts to Steve's life: his younger days at home in Caherconlish village and the second part in South Tipperary are of Kilsheelan where he lived and worked for the last thirteen years. He had made Kilsheelan his new home and was very popular man there as was evidenced by the large number from the Tipperary village who attended his funeral services.
He was very active in sport there and used to take a deep interest in his son Dylan's prowess as a hurler and footballer. Stevie also played for the adult teams in Kilsheelan. He had a wonderful outgoing personality and was a good mixer in any company.
But it is to his boyhood days in and around Caherconlish that we best reflect on. Old memories flood back to the days here when Stevie, the smallest in stature of his age group, used to give all of us some great moments.
He was a little dynamo on the field of play as he assisted the local clubs in hurling and football. He was the first to be pencilled into the team sheet and led the forward line in many an exciting game. He was also the first young fellow to be at the team's meeting point known as the Monument. When things were evenly matched between the competing sides, Stevie would be the one to raise his game and save the day. In a county football final he scored 1 goal and 2 pts. As a mark of respect the local club's colours draped his coffin.
Off the field of play, he was a most caring young man. He used to go for messages to the local shops for some elderly people in the village. He was always on call for a job and during the summer breaks one could bet securely that Stevie always had a job lined up. After leaving Caherconlish NS he attended St Michael's College, Cappamore where he excelled as a student. Stevie was a bright and intelligent young fellow and it was revealed at his funeral Mass that he used to help his brothers and sisters with their homework.
The funeral mass at Caherconlish Church was a most touching and emotional occasion. The words of the main celebrant Fr Roy Donavan PP were most healing and calming. Amongst the many words of consolation he said: 'we as human beings don't fully understand the fragile nature of our lives - life is but a thin thread."
"Two words at this sad time are most important," he added, "judgement and compassion".
"We must not judge and we more than ever must have lots of compassion". Quoting Yeats, he summed up his eulogy when "things fall apart, the center cannot hold". A verse from Stevie's favourite song from the band, Guns and Roses, was sung at mass end and his eldest brother Donal and friend Sinead spoke lovingly of his memory.
His funeral took place from Crosses Funeral Home, Ballyneety to Caherconlish Church on New Year's Eve and he was buried in Mount St Oliver Cemetery following Mass on January 1. Fr Pat Currivan and Fr Danny O'Gorman assisted at the mass.
This is a sad time for his mother Eileen, Donal his father, his son Dylan, Dylan's mother his grandmother, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncle's and all his extended family and we hope and pray for their welfare.
May the light of Heaven shine on our dear Stevie forever.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 15-01-11 Tweet
