Berkeley Tragedy: ‘A determination to be as self-reliant as possible’

Overlooking his daughter’s coffin, Olivia Burke’s father Paul showed signs of despair when he said it was the third time he had spoken at a funeral in recent years, writes Ed Carty.

“I have to be honest, this time round it is a challenge to stand here. No parent wishes to see their child depart this life at such a tender age,” he said.

Mr Burke told the congregation in Foxrock — including the family of two others killed in the Berkeley tragedy, Ashley Donohoe and Eimear Walsh — that the death of someone who lived a long and full life can subconsciously be accepted.

But this was a eulogy for his 21-year-old daughter and her “short life”.

“Not being able to experience where Olivia’s journey in life would have taken her, be it in her career, her friendships, her loves and so on, will certainly cause us heartache in the times ahead,” he said.

Instead he was forced to pay his last respects, and in doing so painted a picture of a caring and hard-working daughter, someone who consistently displayed a genuine nature.

One of the small comforts the family will cling to, Mr Burke said.

Mourners heard how Ms Burke developed in her school years from being a shy youngster to someone who was enlightened, well grounded, and confident.

“She was a caring and considerate person, I think more worried about your problems than chatting about her own — although she did chat,” he said.

“She always had a smile and loved to have a joke and a laugh at any opportunity. She loved the nightlife, out there chatting, having a good time and especially a boogie on the dancefloor.

“But she countered this high life — before we get carried away — with hard work... and really had a determination to be as self-reliant as possible and her work ethic could not be faulted.

“In fact, her steely determination to succeed, to achieve a set goal no matter how high or how low it was, or how easy or how difficult, was ever present.

“I have to say that work ethic is something I particular admired over the years.”

The amount of friends and the various groups she remained close to were testament to Mr Burke’s reflections on her nature.

Mr Burke made a special mention for Aoife Beary, a friend of Ms Walsh’s and one of the six injured in the balcony collapse who remain in hospital in California.

The grieving father also recalled the friends that his daughter had made over the years including the Blane Road Club from the family’s time in Wicklow and those from Loreto College.

“I know you girls are hurting at the loss of both Eimear and Olivia, two of your group. I can safely say it’s been a pleasure knowing you girls over recent years and I’m sure Olivia and Eimear will smile down on you and wish you good luck,” he said.

Mr Burke recalled his daughter’s “cousin and soulmate” Ms Donohoe.

“Although they were separated by over 6,000 miles they were incredibly close, right from the time they played together as little 18-month-old kids be it in San Fran or in Dublin all the way until recent years when they continued to trade visits,” he said.

He said that none were more surprising than Ms Donohoe’s arrival to celebrate Ms Burke’s 18th birthday.

“We will miss you so much Ashley. You two guys departed this world side by side and may you be together in God’s place and fondly look down on the rest of us,” Mr Burke added.