‘We place them into God’s care’

TEARS welled in the dark eyes of Michelle Walls yesterday as she endured the nightmare of every wife and parent.

Supported by members of her wider family, she stared through the unseasonable November sunshine at the three coffins bearing her husband, Eddie, and their only daughters, Theresa, 3, and 18-month-old Natasha.

Just 22, Michelle has already lived a lifetime of grief. As the Very Rev Eamonn McCamley said at the funeral Mass yesterday: “We place our broken hearts on this altar.”

Dressed all in black, with her auburn hair tied back, Michelle tried to bear her grief with dignity as the two white coffins carrying her daughters were taken from the hearse. But she had to be helped into the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Dundalk by family and friends.

As well as losing her husband and children, Michelle also lost her family home in the fire in Castleross Estate, in Dundalk, Co Louth, in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

“The tragic death of Eddie, Theresa and Natasha in the early hours of Sunday morning shocked everyone who heard of it. And when the tragedy and loss is so great death seems to have the last word, Fr McCamley said, adding: “Three of God’s children have died but with God on our side, we will triumph over any suffering, tragedy and even death itself.”

Fr McCamley had married Michelle and Eddie, and baptised both their children.

“I remember well the day Michelle and Eddie were married here in Redeemer Church, just over three years ago. It was a very happy day.

“I can still see the pair of them, so happy. Then the arrival of Theresa and Natasha, both of whom I baptised. They had a happy home. Eddie worked very hard alongside his father, Stephen, painting and decorating. Michelle and Eddie moved to Castleross and created a beautiful home.

“Life revolved around their two girls, Theresa and Natasha. They meant the world to them.

“Like most families in this parish, Eddie and Michelle were looking forward to Christmas and beyond, to see their children grow up and to see the things that little girls get up to.

“The children were like little gifts from God and now in grief we are very grateful for the joy and happiness they brought in such a short time to so many people. The Wall and O’Hanlon families and this community mourn the loss of a father and two infants.

“The shock and pain runs deep. Eddie, Theresa and Natasha will always be remembered and loved. We place them today into God’s care.”