The Post Mortem did not take place till late in the day - Monday August 8th, which
meant a terrible wait for the family. It was not until 20 minutes past 12 midnight
that the family were able to have the remains and start on the long lonely journey
home. This must be adding greatly to the trauma already being suffered by the family
and is a sad reflection on life in Ireland today. Our thoughts are with them on their
journey.
When the cortege reached the village there was a tremendous crowd of his friends
there waiting to accompany him back to the house, some with candles and again a big
crowd was waiting at the house.
Details of funeral arrangements: The funeral will leave from his home in Derrygasson
at 11.15 for requiem Mass in Corracrin at 12 noon on Wednesday August 10th, followed
by burial in the adjoining cemetery after Mass.
The Requiem Mass for Enda.
The Requiem Mass for Enda in St. Patrick’s, Corracrin, on Wednesday, August 10th
was rather special and hopefully gave a certain consolation and a little comfort
to Francis, Anna and the other family members. The huge crowd, the touching homily,
the music and hymns, the solemnity of the occasion and the palpable support of the
entire community will be a lasting memory for the family and indeed everyone who
attended.
The funeral of a young person effects everyone and, as Fr Hubert said in his homily,
no one except a parent can know the pain of losing a son or daughter, that he and
particularly young people could not understand what it is like to lose a child. Parents
invest so much of themselves in rearing their children and to lose one to death is
heartbreaking and devastating. We expect the children to make the arrangements for
the funeral of parents but, when it happens the other way around, it seems unnatural
to us. Though we may not be able to feel the loss and the pain, we know it is there
and we do what we can to make the burden lighter.
And so it was for Enda and his family. The community in action was demonstrated by
the huge crowd, who waited for his remains at the Bridge in the village, as he was
taken home from Navan, and then accompanied him to the house in Derrygasson; the
constant stream of people who called to the house until the removal on Wednesday
morning; all the stories told and compliments paid of Enda; the exceptional crowd
who turned out for the Requiem Mass, as the Church was at capacity one hour before
the Mass time of 12 noon; the people involved in the Guard of Honour leading to the
Church; the many people who helped in so many ways from the moment of the crash;
all of this and more will hopefully help the family face into the future without
their beloved son.
There were many stories related over the past couple of days and Fr. Hubert recalled
some of these too. Farmers who told of the excellent worker Enda was and the great
skills he had; his peers told of the great friend and the fun friend they have lost;
many remembered his great work ethic and his love of machinery was mentioned many
times; and former school mates remember a mischievous and fun loving lad, who was
a real friend through thick and thin and one who would never do anyone an ill turn
but would be first to help when needed.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Hubert assisted by Fr. Nolan and Fr. John McKenna.
Fr. Sean Clerkin was also in attendance. Family members and friends were involved
in all aspects of the Liturgy and the carrying of personal items to the altar. Organist
was Patricia McGonnell and soloist was Anita McQuaid, with choir members from Corracrin,
Glennan and Tydavnet chapels.
In his poignant and emotive homily, Fr. Hubert said that Enda’s friends might want
to do or set up something in his memory, and that he was making a suggestion which
would be better than any flag or banner. He asked that all would take the recommendations
of the Road Safety Authority to their hearts to try to avoid another tragedy on our
roads. He addressed the young people in particular and suggested that they might
make up their minds to keep within speed limits, not to drink or take drugs and then
drive, not to use mobile phones while driving and to observe all safety rules and
recommendations on the roads. A movement to encourage this widely would, he said,
be a lasting and fitting memorial to Enda. The absolute silence, which followed in
the church, was indicative of the strength of the message.
After Mass Enda was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Again we offer our deepest
sympathy to Francie, Anna, Patrick, Fergal, Ciaran, and the entire Watterson and
Murphy familes.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Homily at Funeral Mass for Enda Watterson: Fr. Hubert Martin.PP Donagh.
The Homily delivered by Fr. Hubert was very appropriate and contained a powerful
message for us all. It also had a suggestion as to how we might remember Enda and
for these reasons I feel it important that people can read the Homily again and ponder
on the recommendations and message presented to us:
‘’We have come to this Church because we are a community of faith. However, faith
does not remove the sorrowful mysteries of life or the cross of Calvary. Mary stood
by the cross as her son was dying. Francie and Anna and other family members stood
in Cavan General Hospital as their son was dying… the same emotions, the same pain
and sense of loss.
Every year on Good Friday we gather here to venerate the Cross of Jesus Christ; we
kiss the cross in the hope of gaining strength for days like today.
Parents invest so much of themselves in the rearing of their children that the loss
of a son or daughter is every parent’s worst nightmare. Only parents really know
this; somebody like me or young people have not yet experienced this constant anxiety
for the safety of young people in today’s world. None of us can enter into the deep
personal sadness and grief of the immediate family; nevertheless our support is vitally
important and really appreciated by the family.
Born on 24 May 1984, Enda attended the local National School where he is fondly remembered;
from there he went to Beech Hill College. He grew up to be a fine young man with
a good sense of taste, Enda always liked the quality article whether in style, such
as clothes and shoes; accessories, phones and computers; or even his car.
All the time, while he was at school, he couldn’t wait for the day that he would
be free to follow his dream – not just to get away from school but to make his contribution
to the world of work.
In or around 2004 Enda travelled to Australia where he joined his brother Patrick.
Returning home in 2007 he joined the family business. Australia was a good experience;
and it also gave Francie and Anna the chance of lifetime to visit the two boys and
experience Australia themselves.
I know that Enda, like his Grandfather before, got enormous satisfaction from any
sort of farm work, particularly tractor work; he had a feel for it; he could read
every situation well, whether that was the fall of the ground or the wet spot in
a field to be avoided at all costs.
Local farmers, for whom he worked, have spoken of how they loved to see him coming,
not only because he was good fun and good company but because he was good at what
he did.
Up to date with modern media and social networking, with over 350 friends on facebook,
most of whom have posted their shock and sadness at his death. He has touched the
hearts and minds of very many people, male and female alike. So many messages of
love and solidarity, hugs and kisses, from his friends on face book.
Today is a time of reflection and, hopefully decision-making for all of us. How will
we honour the memory of Enda Watterson?
May I suggest, especially to his friends, and indeed his generation, that we redouble
our efforts to implement the demands of the National Road Safety Authority every
time we sit into a car. Perhaps it is on facebook that I should be posting this
message.
We are constantly being told that, as a nation, there is an improvement in our driving
behaviour, year on year; but always with the rider that even one death on the road
is one too many. We are so painfully aware of that today.
We all know what the Road Safety Authority urges upon us: reduce speed, wear your
seatbelt, do not take risks, never ever drink or use drugs and drive; and as we hear
every morning on the AA road watch report, do not use your mobile phone while driving.
If only we could start a movement to honour the memory of Enda Watterson; it doesn’t
have to be a movement with flags and banners, but rather a movement of hearts and
minds, whereby every one of us pledge ourselves today to play our part in improving
driving behaviour and road safety standards.
Many a good decision has been made as someone left a Church-yard on a day like today.
Holy Thursday 1993, I left Broomfield Graveyard after attending the funeral of a
student priest, Ciaran Woods, who had been killed tragically in a road traffic accident,
and I walked straight across the road into the Parish Priest’s House and took the
Pledge which by the Grace of God I have kept to this day.
For thy greater glory and consolation, O Sacred heart of Jesus, to give good example
and to practice self denial, I will abstain from Alcoholic Drink until I make another
decision with God’s help.
A movement such as that among ourselves would be a fitting memorial to Enda who has
died so tragically. A young man to whom so many tributes have been paid and so
many beautiful things have been said that it seems to Francie and Anna that they
have got to know a new son, Enda in a new light, Enda in a new perspective.
I believe that the sadness of death will give way to the bright promise of immortality.
Enda does not leave the equation of life; he does not leave the equation of the
family. You will never forget him and he will be with you in Spirit, in a new way,
bringing a new perspective to the remainder of your lives.
May he rest in peace.
