Hundreds gather for burial of Malika (8) in Waterford
Funeral of Malika Al Kattib arriving at Kilbarry cemetery today. Photo; Mary Browne
Following a ritual washing which took place at noon at University Hospital Waterford, the coffin carrying the remains of eight-year-old Malika Al Katib was transported through Waterford in a horse drawn carriage to a windswept Kilbarry Cemetery for burial this afternoon, Saturday, December 7.
Two white horses pulled the carriage that was preceded by a black hearse that carried numerous floral tributes that included the words, “Daughter” and “Uncle’s Angel” where mourners wiped away tears as the community came together to bid farewell to the young girl, who was tragically killed on Sunday last, December 1, following an incident in New Ross, Co Wexford.
Amid heartbreaking and poignant scenes inside the bitterly graveyard, the service was officiated by Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Islamic Centre, where men, women and young children, some the same age as Malika, mourned her incomprehensible death.
The young girl’s mother, Alisha Al Katib (31), who was a native of Tramore, was present at the burial of her beloved daughter after arriving in a wheelchair from hospital, where she was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the same incident that claimed the life of her daughter.
She held the hand of a close family relative for the duration of the short service with some of young Malika’s teachers and classmates standing close-by, many holding roses and the hands of their parents.
Mourners of varying faiths gathered for the burial at the dedicated Muslim plot at Kilbarry Cemetery. Imam Munir said earlier this week that the impact of the tragedy has far reaching impacts for the entire community, a sentiment that was felt in full during today’s service.
“It is a big loss for the community” Imam Munir said, “and obviously the community are all feeling very down emotionally, not only the Muslim community, but people from New Ross who are local Irish Christians are of course also not in a good shape at the moment.
“The whole neighbourhood are feeling this pain.”
As the mourners left the cemetery, family members embraced at the grave as they bid a final farewell to young Malika, who was taken from them in such horrific and tragic circumstances leaving hearts shattered and broken.
