Gilbert Collins laid to rest after an emotional service
The funeral of 15-year-old Gilbert Collins, who died tragically on Thursday morning last, makes it way to Kilbarry Cemetery for his burial. Photos: Joe Evans.
The heartbreaking final farewell for 15-year-old Gilbert Collins of Ardmore Park, who tragically died when the e-scooter that he was travelling on that also claimed the life of his close friend Avu Idris collided with a bus on Thursday morning last, took place in his local community of Ballybeg on Tuesday afternoon.
Hundreds of mourners joined the Collins family led by his father Bobby, mother Ronke, brothers Marvillous and Albert, sister Precious, as they said goodbye to a young lad who would be “looking down and laughing at all the attention that he would be getting.” Inside Kilbarry Cemetery, his teammates donned the Waterford Crystal jersey that their friend wore with pride as they flank his oak coffin as it made its way to his grave. Many of his St. Paul’s Community College classmates flanked the hearse as it made the journey from the nearby fire station to his place of rest passing St. Saviour’s school where he received his primary education.
A number of hymns including Praise my soul the King of heaven and In Christ Alone My Hope is found were sung before his sister Precious Okin spoke proudly of her brother.
She described him as a young lad that was “full of energy” and that he brought “a sense of energy to everything that he done”.
“He would love the attention that he is after getting and would be laughing at us all,” continued Precious as she painted a small but detailed picture of the life of her brother, who she said was “loved dearly by his whole family.” Quoting the Book of Genesis, Precious added: “Gilbert’s life was a short one, but we’ll always cherish the memories that he left us with. I am my brother’s keeper. I will always love you and keep speaking your name with great pride. Your memory will live on through us all.” His father Bobby also spoke briefly at the service where he thanked the local community and all Gilbert’s friends for their enormous “support that you have giving to us at this time. We thank you all.”
Before Gilbert’s remains were brought to the Cemetery for burial, his brother Marvillous paid an emotional tribute to his brother at the funeral home. He said that his brother would be “probably asking me “Why am I crying?”. “I can’t see Gilbert without picturing him smiling or laughing. We all need to appreciate our loved ones more because in this life we never know what can happen.
Finishing his brother added: “Thank you Gilbert for the memories, the lessons, and the good times.” Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy was joined by fellow Cllr. John Hearne at the burial, which was also attended by local St. Saviour’s Parish Priest Fr. Robbie Grant. Principal of St. Paul’s Community College Fiona McDonnell and deputy principal Kevin Bailey were joined by the rest of the teaching staff.
Yellow and Green Flowers that included the name Gilbert was placed on his grave after his burial as old and young hugged each other as they said goodbye to the popular teenager.
They’ll do it all once again on Thursday for Avu Idris, who’ll be lay to rest in a grave close to that of Gilbert’s after a memorial service at noon.
