Balloons released for Sammy Hanrahan as funeral details announced

As the November sunset faded on a crisp Monday evening, the devastated Ballybeg community, all genuine in their grief, gathered outside the home at Clonard Park of 18-year-old Sammy Hanrahan for a poignant balloon-releasing ceremony in memory of the youngster, who died on Friday, November 21.

Many of Sammy’s family and friends, young and old, held back tears as local Parish Priest Fr. Robbie Grant offered prayers before the balloons were released into the dark skies that have lingered over the community ever since news broke that he had lost his life.

The much-loved son of Jane Brown and big brother to Aria died at Cork University Hospital after suffering serious injuries when the bike that he was travelling on collided with a car on the main Cork Road on November 16.

As his family prepare for his funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at St. Saviour’s Church in the parish of Ballybeg this Thursday at 11am, Fr Grant offered some words of comfort for his family and friends as they try to come to terms with Sammy’s death.

Fr. Grant said: “On behalf of the people of Ballybeg, I offer my sympathies to Sammy’s family on this awful tragedy that has hit our community. We all pray for Sammy, his mother, his sister, his extended family and many friends that their strength will help them through these darkest of days.

“This is devastating for the whole community. Sammy was a bright young lad who gave so much for his family and friends. I pray for him and his family.” As the balloons made their way over Kilbarry Cemetery, where Sammy will be laid to rest after his funeral Mass, the song Missing by Everything but the Girl was played, before a thunderous applause echoed around Clonard Park.

It was a poignant moment as many of his young friends hugged each other as they prepare to say their final goodbyes to a young lad, who offered so much during his 18 years. He will always be remembered for his love of life, family, and friends, as well as his gentlemanly nature.

Sammy will repose at his residence at 54 Clonard Park, Ballybeg, on Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm with a rosary at 5pm. His funeral cortege will walk from his home on Thursday morning, passing the school where he received his primary education, to St. Saviour's Church for Mass at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards at Kilbarry Cemetery.

Predeceased by his uncle John. Sammy will be sadly missed by his loving and heartbroken mother Jane, sister Aria, his grandparents, father Sammy, Aideen and Aaron, girlfriend Zara, aunts, uncles, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom we offer our deepest and sincerest sympathy.

May he rest in peace.