Family delivers heart-rending eulogy to Jerome Power (24) - beloved son, grandson, brother and friend
The late Jerome Power
Jerome Power was laid to rest on Friday, May 16, following his funeral mass at St Mary's Parish Church in Dungarvan.
The 24-year-old will be remembered as a beloved friend, son, grandson and brother who brightened the lives of many.
The death of any young person is an unfathomable tragedy, and Jerome's passing has left his family, friends and community devastated. At his Requiem Mass, scores of people gathered and paid tribute to a loving and lively young man.
At the start of the service, family members brought up totems to symbolise Jerome's love of horses, music, sports and travel. A relative gave a moving rendition of the poem 'Good Timber' by America poet Douglas Malloch, ending with the couplet: "Of many winds and much of strife/ This is the common law of life."
Parents Edmund and Eunice Power both gave heart-rending eulogies to their son. Edmund said: "Jerome was such a lovely chap. We had some lovely times together, such as surfing in Portugal, racing in Cahersiveen, or point-to-point in Dungarvan.
"I was so proud of my son. The memories will last forever."
Eunice said that it was hard to put into words "the energy, the mystery and sheer force of nature that he was - but I'll try because he deserves to be remembered in full colour just as he lived."
Jerome was described as a "loveable rogue" from the moment he was born, "with a glint in his eye and a heart full of mischief".
Jerome was the middle child of three boys, a trio, which their mother described as "together like a litter of pups rolling around, laughing, teasing, always competitive".
The Mass heard about the close bond between Jerome and his brothers Micheál and Kieran.
The Mass heard about Jerome's love of horses, especially his first pony, Fred. As Eunice put it, together they were a "legendary" duo.
She said: "No fence too high, no challenge too great. He was fearless and had the wherewithal to prove it."
"He threw himself into everything with tenacity and charm."
She described how excited he would be travelling with his father to various racing events, pretending to use the horse whip on the car.
"He couldn't wait to get there. He couldn't wait to get out and to get going. That was Jerome, always in motion, always chasing the next thrill."
Eunice told the story of her son's "magnetic" personality and his dearly-held friendships.
"He had a great capacity for friendship. He loved the lads and they love him.
"He was a seeker of adventure, a lover of life and a soul who burned brightly."
She ended her eulogy: "Jerome was many things; a rogue, a rascal, a romantic, a friend, a brother and a wonderful son. Above all, he was unforgettable, and though our hearts are broken, we are so grateful to have our Jerome, even just for 24 years."
Eunice and Edmund thanked everyone for their love and support over the last few days.
A dear friend of Jerome spoke movingly about their times together, studying in college, travelling together, playing sport and getting into adventures.
He said: "We also shared many trips away together, to Dublin, Galway, Lahinch and also a college ski trip to France, where Jerome dislocated his shoulder on the second day, but still seemed to manage to have more fun on the rest of that trip than anyone else.
"I've never met a man better at rolling with light punches, even if he did walk into those punches head first, still took them like a champ."
His friend hoped to make Jerome proud here on Earth.
"I'll do my best down here to make you proud and to live my life to the fullest every day, just as you did. I'll miss you till the day I die brother. All my love."
The funeral cortege left the church to a rendition of Christy Moore's song 'Ride On', a beautiful song about a wild, restless spirit who leaves an unforgettable impression on all.
Jerome is deeply mourned and sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brothers, grandmother Ethna Sheehan, aunts Evie Flynn, Emily Sheehan, Mary Flynn, Catherine and Claire Power, uncles Jim, John and Mark Power, grandaunts, granduncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. May he Rest in Peace.
