‘I didn’t just lose a brother, I lost my best friend’

Chris Herlihy’s moving words brought tears to the eyes of more than 1,000 mourners at the funeral Mass for his only brother, Jonathan, in Cork yesterday.

Jonathan Herlihy, 22, from Glanmire, was one of two men who drowned in a tragic rescue off Owenahincha beach in West Cork last Sunday week.

He was swept out to sea with Peter O’Keeffe, a 36-year-old businessman, after rescuing two struggling swimmers.

Mr O’Keeffe’s body was recovered from the sea last Tuesday week and he was buried last Friday.

Jonathan’s body was recovered from Owenahincha strand on Sunday morning.

Mourners yesterday packed into St Joseph’s Church in Springhill, near Glanmire — the church where Jonathan was baptised, received his First Communion and where he was confirmed.

His parents, Liam and Eileen, brother Chris, grandparents Frank and Mary Herlihy, and Harry and Elma Lotty, and girlfriend, Sarah O’Flanagan, led mourners. They were joined by members of the O’Keeffe family, the coast guard, civil defence and navy, and Jonathan’s wide circle of friends, most of whom searched for his body last week.

Hundreds more stood outside and listened to the Mass on loudspeakers.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Sarah carried a photograph of Jonathan to the altar.

She was followed by Frank Herlihy, who carried the Herlihy family crest.

Jerry Sharma carried a football to represent Jonathan’s love of GAA and soccer, while Jonathan’s grandfather Harry brought forward a hurley to represent his family’s strong hurling tradition. Family friend, Frank Lenihan, carried flags from UCC soccer club, Glanmire Intermediate football club, Riverstown FC and Sarsfield Football club, for which Jonathan had played.

His brother Chris, 19, who returned from a holiday in Spain to join the search, thanked everyone who had helped the family during their seven-day ordeal and paid tribute to his “idol”.

“These past few years we became best friends as both of us matured,” he said.

“Because he was three years older than me, he had gone through many experiences that are on my path.

“But nothing could have prepared us for the last week. With the help of Johnny’s friends, we all got through it.”

Chris said he and his brother had been in almost constant contact by email during the summer while Jonathan worked in the US.

“Most conversations generally finished with us saying how much we looked forward to spending time together,” he said.

“Going to college together, playing soccer together, going out together.”

Chris said his older brother’s presence was always felt around the house.

“When he was not in the house, he was the life and soul of wherever he was.

“I was honoured to stand next to him as a brother and as a friend.

“Not only did I lose my brother, I lost my best friend, my idol. Johnny, forever I’ll be proud of you. I guarantee you, you’ll never be forgotten.”

During his homily, chief celebrant Fr John O’Callaghan said the deaths of Jonathan and Peter had gone beyond saving the lives of two people.

Their deaths brought out a great spirit of support, generosity and comfort evidenced during the search last week, he said.

Later, Fr O’Callaghan read a message of condolence from Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper, Shay Given, who is in Estonia with his club.

“Jonathan’s bravery and selfless courage are an inspiration to the rest of us and mark him out as having been a remarkable human being,” Given said.

Prayers were also said for Cliona Murphy and Lee Cooley, the swimmers whose lives were saved.

“May they find strength and solace in the sacrifice of Jonathan and Peter,” a prayer of the faithful read.

Bishop of Cork and Ross John Buckley, who prayed with the Herlihy family on Owenahincha strand on Saturday night, was among the celebrants yesterday.

“Jonathan and Peter’s heroism has touched people, particularly young people, not only here in Cork but throughout the country,” he said. “They made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Jonathan was buried afterwards in St Joseph’s cemetery in Little Island.