Priest hopes tragedy will save future lives

A HOPE that widespread publicity following an horrific car crash that claimed the lives of three young men would be a reminder to people to be extra careful on the roads was expressed by a priest yesterday.

“Never again do we want to see the terrible grief that the bereaved families are now going through,” said Fr Michael Fleming, parish priest of Moyvane, Co Kerry.

He was preaching at the funeral Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Moyvane, for Patrick Galvin, 34, the third victim of the accident near Listowel, early on Monday.

Fr Fleming described Patrick, a native of Leitrim East, Moyvane, as a “gentlemen in every sense of the word” and as someone with a good sense of humour.

“He was very helpful to people, was devoted to his mother and also got on very well with his workmates. He will be greatly missed,” the priest told the congregation.

Fr Fleming said the Galvin family and the other families that had lost loved ones were receiving tremendous prayers and support from far and wide.

The Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, was among those to send message of sympathy.

“It’s obviously a very sad time for the families, but the support they’re receiving means a great deal to them,” Fr Fleming said.

“We can only hope that all the publicity this tragedy is getting will remind everyone to be more aware of their safety obligations on the roads.”

Hymns were sung during the Mass by Tara and Celine Mulvihill and Mary Kennelly.

Chief mourners were Pat Galvin’s mother, Eileen; his brothers, John, Tom, Gerry, Eddie and Mike.

His workmates at Costelloe Aluminium, of Glin, Co Limerick, provided a guard of honour and he was laid to rest in Aghavoher cemetery, Moyvane.

On the previous day, the other accident victims, James Culhane, 30, also from Moyvane, was buried in the same cemetery and Christy O’Connor, 25, of Listowel, was interred in Listowel.