Final farewell for James, 13, who always had 'a twinkle in his eye'

Thirteen year-old James Long, who died from a suspected asthma attack after scoring a winning goal in a hurling match, has been buried in his sporting Limerick jersey.

The teenager who scored the crucial goal for his local hurling side in a championship game, died hours later from a serve asthma attack. Over 1,000 people turned out on Sunday to pay their respects to the family of the teenager who was originally from Quinn's Cottages, Rosbrien and had been living in Kilmallock since the age of six. The congregation heard how the day of his funeral was also "his spiritual birthday" because on the same day 13 years ago James was baptised in the Dominican Church in Limerick. "Joys and sorrows live next door to one another and no life can ever be a complete fairytale, even for the young," said Canon Willie Fitzmaurice, PP, Kilmallock, who concelebrated the funeral Mass at Saints Peter and Paul's Church, Kilmallock, with Fr Gerard McNamara, PP, Bulgaden. Canon Fitzmaurice spoke of the ease at which James had adapted to country life after his move to Kilmallock from the city. "He loved sports - hurling and soccer, loved the outdoor life, loved nature, walking the greyhounds with a neighbour. He easily adapted to country life after the confines of city life since he came out here about six years ago," Canon Fitzmaurice continued. As a mark of respect for the popular hurler, there was one minute's silence at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening at the beginning of limerick's game in the qualifiers against Laois.

Mourners at the funeral - including Munster Council vice-chairman Robert Frost, chairman and secretary of Limerick GAA County Board, Liam Lenihan and Mike O'Riordan and Limerick senior hurlers Gavin O'Mahony and Paudie O'Brien - heard how the teenager was "elated" after scoring the winning goal for the Kilmallock U14 hurling team in the closing minutes of a local championship match against Patrickswell last Wednesday. "But triumph quickly turned to tragedy in the early hours of the next morning when his life was snuffed out due to a severe asthma attack. His tragic death has struck a chord with the feelings of so many and has evoked an overwhelming wave of sympathy not just here in the Kilmallock community but far and wide," continued Canon Fitzmaurice. James died in the morning of the longest day of the year "and for the family it certainly has been the longest day of their lives so far. "The past few days have been extremely difficult and painful for them especially looking at James as he was laid out in a resplendent Sporting Limerick jersey. To misquote Yeats "For them a terrible beauty has died". Sean Twomey - principal of Coláiste Iosaef secondary school where James had completed first year- told the congregation that his grieving family was moved by the response and support of all since his death. Mr Twomey said James was affectionate enough to appreciate a cuddle from his mother and still tried to be protective of his older sisters Kate, 18, and Sarah 16. "When we think of death, it is usually with the thoughts of the approaching winter of life and not with the summer of youth. It never feels right when someone so young is taken from us," Mr Twomey said. "I hope you can imagine the happiness he felt going to sleep that night with dreams of glory and the ring of applause in his ears. The poet William Blake said 'Mourn not my passing but celebrate my life'. Remember him as the 13 year old boy with a twinkle i

n his eye smiling with delight and with his hands in the air". Mr Twomey said to resounding applause before the young boy's coffin was carried from the church in his Kilmallock jersey and the Kilmallock GAA flag. Team-mates of the 13 year old fought back tears as they formed a guard of honour outside the church before the remains of the popular sports star were taken to his final resting place, Bulgaden cemetery. James Long is survived by his parents Barbara and Terence, sisters Kate and Sarah, extended family and friends. The Long family wish to thank the local community including the local funeral undertaker, Michael Daffy, for their support at this difficult time.

(Text courtesy of Limerick Leader 30/06/12) Tweet

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