The late Aisling McGing A picture may be worth a thousand words but a smile will cheer a thousand hearts and Aisling McGing, the young teenager from Kinuary, Killawalla, who was laid to rest in Killawalla Cemetery cheered thousands of hearts in her own native village, with the Carra Community Games team, Carnacon and Mayo Ladies football teams with whom she played. Her smile, along with her wonderful playing skills, was the bridge across which thousands came into Aisling's life. She touched the hearts and minds of thousands from her parents, Jimmy and Teresa; her grandmothers, Mary Walsh and the late Maggie McGing; her sisters, Fiona, Michelle and Sharon; her brothers, James and Thomas and her boyfriend, Dave Reilly, to the thousands of young and old she met on her eighteen year journey through life. As a baby, a toddler and a teenager she radiated lots of love to those around her and it was fitting that the love and affection she gave to so many was returned to her as thousands stood silently in long queues during her funeral in Killawalla to bid farewell to a teenager who was aptly described by one of her friends as "always happy and always smiling. " Whether it was on the school bus on the journey to the Sacred Heart School Westport or playing in Mosney in an All-Ireland Community Games final or in Croke Park with Mayo ladies team Aisling was always in good form, witty in her expressions, encouraging those around her and all this fuelled by her beautiful smile. Keeping up a strong family football tradition, Aisling excelled on the football field and the walls of the McGing household bedecked with photos, medals, plaques of the McGing family football victories, bore testimony of her great passion for the game. Her great football passion is depicted in one of those wall photographs of an elated Aisling being held high by overjoyed dad, Jimmy followed her Carra team's victory in the All-Ireland Community Games final in Mosney in 1995. Many tributes have been paid to the Kinuary football star but all the tributes could be summed up in the words of her uncle, the chief celebrant of her Requiem Mass, Fr Tommy McGing. "There was always something unique in her personality. She had that little swagger when she entered a place - always ready with a mischievous smile that could turn a dungeon into a place of laughter. Like the prophet of old she seemed to have an extra portion of God's spirit. "Many of you will have known her from the age of eight or nine when she laced up her little boots and excited her family, fans and supporters, on pitches from Clogher to Croke Park. "During the course of her career she had won five All-Ireland medals at different levels. She was most proud of her recent All-Ireland medals, one with Mayo Ladies team and the other with her Carnacon club. "When she was tragically hit the she as wearing one of her All-Ireland jerseys and she will be buried in the other one." Aisling's football career began at the tender age of 8 years when she first laced up her football boots and that career mushroomed during the following years up to 1994 and 1995 when she won All-Ireland medals with the Carra team in Mosney. In 1999 she captained the Scared Heart School, Westport All-Ireland winning soccer team. For Aisling the culmination of her football career was last year when she won two All-Ireland medals with her club team, Carnacon and with the Mayo Ladies team. Among the large crowds who attended her funeral were the current President of the Ladies GAA, Geraldine Giles and the former PResident, Wally Thomson as well as leading officers from the Mayo and Connaught GAA Board and many of the local public representatives. The Chief Celebrant of her funeral Mass was her uncle, Fr Tommy McGing, Mississippi, assisted by Fr Jack Garvey, P.P., Carnacon; Fr Frank Fahey, Ballintubber; Fr Padraic Staundun, Fr Jarlath Heraty, Galway; Fr Pat Donnellan, P.P.,Islandeady; Fr Tommy Basquil, New York and Mount brown, Aughagower; Fr Denis Carney, Adm., Westport; Fr Joe Caulfield, P.P., Carracastle; Fr Padraic Costello, P.P., Bohola; An tAthair Deaglan Mac Conghamha, Glenamoy; Fr Gerard Moran, Oakland, California and Westport; Fr Francis Cosgrove, Vicar General, Jackson, Mississippi; Fr Val Hynes, Africa and Ballintubber; Fr Patrick McNally, Liverpool and Westport. The Lessons during Requiem Mass were read by her aunt, Margaret Owens and her Godmother, Bridie Heneghan. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by her McGing cousins, Paul, Damian, Caroline, Marie, Regina and Cora Staunton and Brendan Quirk. The Offertory gifts, reflecting aspects of Aisling's life, were carried to the altar by Michelle McGing - her football boots, jersey and All-Ireland medals. Sharon McGing - Hairdressing Accessories and her letter of acceptance for a hairdressing course in Athlone College. James McGing - her photo album. Thomas McGing - her mobile phone. Her boyfriend, Dave Reilly - a Deb's picture taken the week before. Fiona McGing - a family photograph. Jimmy and Teresa McGing - Bread and Wine. For the Post Communion Reflection Gareth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers" was sung by Aisling's three sisters, Fiona, Michelle and Sharon. And as the funeral procession made its way down the aisle, the songs, "Wind Beneath my Wings (Bette Midler) and "Everything I Do" (Bryan Adams) were played. As Aisling was laid to rest in Killawalla Cemetery one of her favourite songs "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi was played. Farewell Aisling, thanks for the memories, your encouragement, your beaming smile and your unique and gentle way. May the warmth of the happy memories you have left us dry up our of sadness as you join God's celestial team. You will never be forgotten - Your many friends. Courtesy of the Mayo News August 2003 Tweet

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