‘Evil’ act robs family of an angel

A HORRIFIC firebomb attack, which claimed the life of four-year-old Katelyn Ryan, described as a little angel with go-gos, has been condemned as “evil” by a Limerick priest.

Speaking at the funeral mass of little Katelyn Ryan who lost her battle for life in Crumlin Children's Hospital last week Fr Damien Ryan said: "This deed was evil in its conception, evil in its implementation and evil in its consequences. We only have to look here in the sanctuary at Katelyn's little coffin to realise how evil it was.

"Violence is wrong. Violence, whatever its motivation is wrong. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and the whole world will end up blind and toothless. This deed was evil."

Fr Ryan paid tribute to the huge number of people who offered support to the Ryans since their home in Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, was petrol bombed just over a week ago.

"The truth is that there was a miracle of kindness and love in this community this week. This Christian community, those of other faiths and no faith responded with bravery, kindness, generosity, love and grace to this terrible deed. Bravery in the face of the flames. Kindness and generosity in the face of need. Love and grace in the face of suffering and loss," he said.

Hundreds of mourners wept openly as Fr Ryan remembered the "little angel with the go-gos" who loved to dress up and was so full of life and love.

"Katelyn was a wonderful 'little madam', so full of life and love. She enjoyed dressing up and would arrive up from her own home to her grandparents' home in all sorts of style, her Mam's shoes and of course go-gos.

"She was a wonderful little girl who was full of life and vitality. A blessing to all who knew her. The loss of one so dear diminishes the whole community," he said.

Mourners were led by Katelyn's heartbroken mother Jackie who was seriously injured in the blaze.

The 32-year-old broke a bone in her back when she jumped from a bedroom window clutching her baby daughter Leah. The one-year-old was in the intensive care unit of Limerick Regional Hospital for a week after the blaze but was also discharged from hospital on Friday.

Katelyn's father Robert, who was at her bedside when she died last Tuesday, carried her tiny white coffin out of the church. During the mass a photograph of Katelyn climbing a slide in a playground was placed on the coffin.

Eight young children carried up gifts of flowers and a big white teddy bear during the offertory procession.

Dozens of bouquets of flowers were placed on the altar around the coffin along with two large wreaths, which read "Daughter" and "Granddaughter".

And as the tiny white coffin was being carried out of the church, Katleyn's favourite song The Tide is High by Atomic Kitten was played. Katelyn was buried in Mount St Oliver cemetery beside her great-grandmother Angela O'Donnell.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man charged in connection with the arson attack is due to reappear before Limerick District Court this week.

Patrick Slattery, of 15 Garryglass Avenue, Limerick, was charged with arson following the blaze at the Ryan home on April 6 last.

Gardaí are investigating two attempts to set fire to Mr Slattery's home, which his family has deserted.