Thousands bid final farewells to Aoife

Tears mingled with laughter as the people of Ballyroan in Co Laois gathered in thousands to remember a “beautiful, radiant, joyful star”.

The Ballyroan Brass Band led the cortege as murder victim Aoife Phelan was brought from her home to St Patrick’s Church in Ballyroan.

A live-in nanny, Aoife, 30, was murdered shortly after leaving a friend’s house in Portlaoise on Oct 25. Her remains were discovered buried near Portlaoise last Wednesday.

Chief celebrant, Fr Gerard Ahern complimented Betty and Michael, Aoife’s mother and father, and her 11 siblings on their faith.

“Aoife is obviously with you. You are strong, you are united, you have the support of each other.”

Fr Ahern told mourners, the majority of whom were unable to fit inside the church, the circumstances in which the young woman died go “beyond human understanding”.

However, he said, if Aoife was here, “she would say to us, ‘cheer up life has to go on. I know it will be difficult but I will be there to help you’.”

Aoife’s brother Daragh recalled happier times. “Aoife’s bubbly personality brought so much joy and happiness to family and friends near and far. Your smile was, and shall always be, forever in our hearts and memories,” he said.

Reminiscing on childhood tales, Daragh repeatedly had the congregation in fits of laughter as he recalled Aoife’s exploits, her joy in life and her bright smile.

Aoife’s sister Leighanne brought the first of the gifts, a box of Aoife’s favourite tea. Her brother Trevor brought a mug with her beloved football team logo, Chelsea. Other gifts inclu-ded a CD as a symbol of her love for music.

Aoife’s sister Lavina read a poem she wrote on behalf of the family before Aoife was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery nearby.