The funeral took place on Thursday of “gifted” teacher David McMahon from Lissycasey.
Glowing tributes were paid to the thirty three year old who was reported as missing on September 9th.
A poem penned by David’s wife Eimear and his sisters Laura, Sharon and Michelle described his character. “Your kindness, generosity and humour will continue to live on in the hearts of all who love you”. “A companion, protector and big brother, we will always continue to look up to you”.
Our Lady of the Wayside church in Lissycasey was full to capacity forty minutes before the coffin arrived. Chief celebrant Fr Tom Hogan led the service and was also the celebrant for David’s marriage to Eimear just over nine months ago. He commented and how “life is strange” and said “from a tender young age, David was gifted in so many ways and teaching was his chosen profession. Anyone who taught alongside him or were taught by him will know how professional he was.”
During the mass a prayer of the faithful was said in honour of the late Caitriona Lucas who passed away tragically during the search for David whose body was recovered last Saturday after being spotted by his uncles Michael and Frank.
Members of the McMahon family thanked volunteers for assisting in the search. Sharon told mourners of how she wants her brother to be remembered. “Now that we have David back in Lissycasey where he belongs, we don’t want him remembered for the accident or the search, but for all the wonderful things he did in his life. As a brother, a son, a husband and friend, we are so proud and feel so blessed to have had him in our lives and we always will” she said to a large round of applause.
During the offertory, wife Eimear placed ‘a box of memories’ from her time with David on the altar. Medals won playing Gaelic Football with Lissycasey were offered up while the club provided a guard of honour outside the church.
David McMahon is survived by his wife, Eimear, parents, Tony and Margaret and sisters, Michelle, Laura and Sharon.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam