US man killed in hurricane buried

AN American who lost his life a week ago in a hurricane will be laid to rest in Co Limerick today alongside the graves of his parents who were natives of Athea.

Kevin Murphy, 26, died when his car was swept away in a road avalanche near Austin, Texas, last Saturday.

Mr Murphy, who was an artist, frequently visited the old ancestral home at Knockfinisk, Athea.

His remains were flown in to Shannon airport.

A large crowd of mourners were at St Bartholomew’s parish church when the funeral cortege arrived at 8.30pm.

His burial will take place after 12.30pm Mass today.

Kevin and his four brothers were born in the US, but retained strong family links with the Athea.

Rev Canon Patrick Kelly, retired parish priest of Athea said: “We were all very saddened to hear of Kevin’s tragic death.”

On his most recent visit to the parish, Kevin completed a painting of St Bartholomew’s church where his funeral Mass takes place today.

Fr Larry Madden is returning from his holidays for the funeral.

One local parishioner said: “Kevin was a fine person and really had a great love of West Limerick. He used really enjoy his visits back and was such a friendly person.”