Measuring a man by his friends

I spent my day attending the funeral of a young boy in East Cork today.

I won’t pretend I knew him well; I have met him a couple of times, though I knew his parents.

But I learnt about him today, not from the leaflet you were handed as you entered the church, a picture of a handsome happy boy with a perfect smile and on it a list of all his hurling achievements.

Not from the packed church, with not even standing room. Not from the fantastic work the local people did in making sure all cars were parked, all people who tried to attend were either seated or stood listening to the ceremony from the loud speaker overhead, all organised by the local GAA club.

I did learn a little from his very brave father who spoke about his fantastic son, a son who had a word and a smile for everyone. But most of all, I learnt the measure of this young boy from his friends, The young boys who stood tall and wore their club jerseys and gave him and his family a guard of honour, done with the utmost respect and dignity, and the bravest thing of all they wept openly and wept, wept for their dear lost friend. I was always told to measure a man by the friends he keeps.

Long live the memory of Tadgh “Tigger” Coleman. May he live in the memories, hearts and hopes of these fine young boys. He would be proud of his friends.

Ann O’Neill

Ballymacoda

Co Cork