Scanlon, Paraic
April 19, 2006
The late Paraic Scanlon
The death has taken place, following a long illness borne with remarkable courage and dignity, of Paraic Scanlon, Tullycommons, Snugboro, Castlebar, and late of Glenhest, Newport. A quantity surveyor by profession, he was aged 30 years and was son of Peadar and Kathleen Scanlon, Glenhest.
Paraic was a devoted husband and father. He loved his work and as a quantity surveyor with Coffey Construction and gave his all to it. He loved sport, especially football and his first love was Burrishoole GAA Club.
Although it was not unexpected in the end, his death evoked deep sadness in his native Glenhest and in the Snugboro community of which he was a valued member.
He will be sadly missed by his wife Claire, daughters Orla, Martha and Lily, parents Peadar and Kathleen Scanlon, brother Liam, sisters Una, Eilish, Brid and Cathy, parents-in-law Kathleen and John O'Brien (Hendon, London), uncle Sean Scanlon and his wife Rose (Kinnock), nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Following repose at his parents' home in Glenhest, Paraic's removal took place to Glenhest Community Centre where huge crowds gathered to sympathise with his family. Further removal took place to St Joseph's Church, Glenhest, where Fr James Cribbin officiated in the presence of many other priests. Earlier, Archbishop Michael Neary officiated at a prayer ceremony for Paraic at Mayo General Hospital.
The main celebrant of Paraic's Funeral Mass was Fr Denis Carney, Adm, Westport, and the 17 concelebrants included Fr James Cribbin and Fr Seamus O Duill.
At Paraic's obsequies as a Guard of Honour, led by Burrishoole GAA Club and including representatives of the Snugboro and Glenhest communities, flanked the hearse.
The lessons at Mass were read by Paraic's sister Brid and his wife Claire's Aunt Veronica. The Psalm was sung by Glenhest Church Choir under the direction of Fr Micheal Gilroy and with Paraic's brother, Liam, as organist.
The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Patrick Ginty (Paraic's friend), Keith O'Donnell (Paraic's friend), Cathy Scanlon (sister), Tracy Claridge (Claire Scanlon's friend) and Una Kirby (sister).
Gifts, symbolic of Paraic's life, were brought to the altar by his friend, Jason Moran (Currishoole GAA No 4 jersey), Ronan Flanaghan of Coffey Construction (Builder's Manual), Paraic's daughter Orla (family photo), Christine O'Brien, Claire Scanlon's sister (bread) and Eilish Creaney (wine) (Claire's sister).
In his homily Fr Carney told the congregation that as they gathered in sadness, they also gathered in faith and hope. While that faith could not take away the pain, emptiness and sorrow caused by Paraic's death, there was some consolation in knowing that he was in the hands of God and had been called to share in the eternal life and happiness of Heaven.
Fr Carney continued: "Paraic knew what it was to suffer. When cancer struck him he knew he had a battle on hand, and battle he did, right up to the very end. He never gave in. He had so much to live for, his family, his work, his new home, life itself. Every chance that he got between treatments, he was off. His room in the hospital was like an office, laptop, builders manuals, drawings from work. He never gave in. Despite all the suffering, all the treatment, he was determined to beat it, being lovingly cared for by his family and the medical profession, he was dogged in his determination. But little by little it wore him down and he succumbed to death on Sunday morning, surrounded by his family, and, as he did, many of his family have said they felt a peace, a peace in their own hearts but also a peace for Paraic - a peace he was fully deserving of, a peace that everyone had prayed would come to him.
"Paraic in his life was a man of commitment, committed to his family, to his work, to what he believed in. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. Family meant an awful lot to him and he never put himself first. He always thought of others. Paraic was a giving person, never counting the cost to himself.
"He gave his all to whatever he was doing. Whether it was with his family, the house, the farm, football, friends, whatever. He was positive in outlook always.
"He may have played corner-back for Burrishoole but he approached life as a full-forward - always looking and planning ahead.
"Paraic didn't wear his faith on his sleeve. He had a trust in God and whenever we would say a little prayer together in the hospital, a tear always came to his eye. He knew the Lord was with him during his suffering and as we bury Paraic on the eve of Holy Week, we now believe that he is closer to the Lord than we can ever imagine.
"Today, we give thanks for Paraic, for the life that he lived and for the love and goodness that he has shared with all his family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. As we offer Paraic back to God this afternoon we pray that he will live forever young in the company of all who have gone before us.
"As I have said, we gather today in sadness, pain and hurt. That is the price that you, his family, pay for the love you have shared with Paraic. Those who have never loved never know grief. As you grieve today, know that no one can ever rob you of your lovely memories of Paraic. Your hopes, your dreams are shattered, but memories will live forever.
You have in your hearts today the memories of time together, the love filled moments, the success you shared, the hard times that brought you closer, the journey you have made together. The love that united you as a family is deep. It has good roots. Those roots are forever intwined.
"As you carry your suffering today, we make the journey with you. We all wish that we could change things, but we can't. What we can do is turn to God and pray for you, Claire, Orla, Martha and Lily, for you, Kathleen and Peadar, and all your relatives. We ask the Lord to comfort and console you. We ask God to bless you with his peace, to strengthen and support you - to support you as you live these darkened days.
"That is our prayer as we commend Paraic to God. May he rest in peace and may that same peace come to your hearts."
A post-communion reflection, composed by Paraic's wife, Claire, was delivered by Peter De Seena.
Paraic was laid to rest in Annagh Cemetery. May his caring soul have peaceful rest.
Courtesy of The Mayo News
19 April 2006
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