Teenager Sammy Hanrahan (18) laid to rest amid a sea of heartbreak
The funeral of Sammy Hanrahan (inset) has taken place in his beloved Ballybeg.
The wind and rain howled as the dark clouds that lingered over the Ballybeg community finally caved in for the funeral Mass of teenager Sammy Hanrahan, who died tragically after a road traffic accident on Friday, November 21.
As his white coffin was carried from his family home at 54 Clonard Park this morning (Thursday), Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan paid his respects to his heartbroken mother Jane, sister Aria, his extended family and many friends.
That air of devastation and sadness that gripped the community was clearly evident as young and old walked behind the hearse on the short journey past the primary schools that gave him so many great years, to an overflowing St. Saviours Church in his beloved Ballybeg.
Many of Sammy’s young friends, impeccably dressed in black, performed a guard of honour as the pallbearers, including his mother Jane, carried his coffin up the aisle of the church where he made his communion and confirmation.
There was mere standing room inside for a funeral Mass that was full of the love and affection that Sammy showed throughout his 18 years, which was celebrated by Fr. Robbie Grant, PP St Saviours, who was joined by Fr. Michael Mullins, Ballybricken.
Symbols of Sammy’s life that included his phone, a can of Fanta Lemon, a vape, and a grinder, were placed on his coffin, with Roy Cummins and TJ Power delivering the readings during the Mass. John, Ethan, John and Kayden read the prayers of the faithful. Sarah Jane Lavery, accompanied by organist Barry Murphy, performed the music.
In his homily, Fr. Robbie Grant said: “Death causes many hearts to break and tears to fall, but the darkness that we feel as a community here today will lift with the light that shone through Sammy during his 18 short years here in his world.
“When I was in Sammy’s house yesterday, I noticed a little photograph of him when he made his confirmation, and you could see from that photograph that he was a happy young man. He was a proud young lad who was content in his life with what he had.
“You would know that Sammy was happy in his home and happy within his parish of St. Saviours and Ballybeg. I know from speaking to his mother that Sammy’s great hope and ambition in this life was to become a youth leader.
Fr Grant added: “You don’t get involved in youth work because you want to make a heap of money, but because you want to be a help and guidance for young people. He tried to support them along the path of life. That was a gift in itself.
“He liked to look after his friends, his neighbours and his family. He had a smile that lit up any room, a smile of affection, and it indicated that he would always be up for a conversation. Many of you would have read in the local paper how much-loved Sammy was, his work on biodiversity, and how much he lived as he loved. All true words. All words that fittingly describe Sammy during his 18 years.”
Fighting back tears, his best friend, Rhys Grant, delivered a poignant and touching eulogy, thanking all who turned out to “celebrate Sammy’s life”.
"Sammy’s early years were filled with wonderful memories, beginning in 2010 when he started primary school at St. Saviours in Ballybeg. It was there that he met many of the lifelong friends who stand with us today, myself included, and where he was guided by some truly great teachers.
“Sammy took part in GAA, soccer and even darts, but the most important thing for him was joining the Ballybeg Youth project from an early age right up to his passing. He was helped and encouraged by so many amazing staff in the youth project.
“He even decided to take part in pathways to nature, to which he went to Finland with many other youths and leaders from all over the world, which was one of the best experiences of Sammy's life. This encouraged Sammy to do his work experience as a helper in the Ballybeg youth project over recent months” Remembering his best friend with fondness, Rhys gave an insight of some of the funny moments that glued Sammy and his many friends together.
“He was one of the funniest people we ever came across, and we’ll cherish the memories we spent together. One of our favourite and funniest memories of Sammy was when he drank his first bottle of Heineken, and we threatened, as a joke, to show his mother a video of it.
“Another one was when he was getting his first haircut in Elite Barbers and his email was his PlayStation name at the time, which was ‘Trooper Hanny’. Graham said to us, are any of ye Troper Hanny? He got so embarrassed about it. We all loved you like a brother and we are so proud of the fight that you put up.”
Holding back tears, delivering his own special few words to his best friend, Rhys added: “You were my best friend, and it’s going to be a really hard change going from seeing each other nearly every day to not ever seeing you again.
“I know you’ll be looking over me, the boys and your family, making sure we are all okay. To be honest, Sammy, I was thinking about our memories for hours and hours trying to pick my favourite one, and it took me so long to pick, but I’d have to say the Finland trip, we went on.
“The whole week of us just being together was one of the best times I’ve ever had in my life, and I’m so happy to say you were there. Even though we were best friends, we used to give each other some rough slagging over the PlayStation. I will admit he used to always get the better of me.
“I’m honestly so proud of your girlfriend Zara, your family and especially your mother Jane for being the strongest people I’ve ever seen. I love you so much, Sammy, until we meet again, brother.”
A heartbreaking tribute from his girlfriend Zara was read: “My beautiful boy, I still can’t believe things turned out this way, but I know this isn’t the end. I know you’ll be beside us every day. You were the strongest person in this world and you fought so hard. I am so incredibly proud of you, my boy.
“I wish I could tell you just how much I love you and how deeply I will miss you. My heart is completely broken and always will be. I will forever cherish the time we had together and all the memories we made.
The night before you passed, I gave you a kiss and told you that you'll always be my number one and you will because no one could ever compare to you.
“Everyone that knows you knows you were the kindest, most honest and loving person. You showed me what it felt like to be truly in love I knew from day one that you were the love of my life. I'm forever thankful to your mam for bringing you into the world and raising such an amazing boy.
“Your grandad told me to make sure I hold your heart and I did even though it broke my heart knowing that night was going to be the last night our heartbeats were ever going to be this close. I'll always be your baby girl you meant the absolute world to me.
“I love you so much, Sammy, you'll forever be my number one, until we meet again, my love.”
Concluding to thunderous applause and a standing ovation, Rhys added: “I’ve saved the best for last your amazingly strong mam, Jane, and your little sister, Aria. For all 18 years of your life, your mam loved you more than anything.
“You truly were her best little friend in the world. And you were the best big brother to Aria she always looked up to you, and she’s going to miss you so much. There was nothing you wouldn’t do for them. Your mam will miss everything about you, even the endless bundles of washing you handed her. Forever your mam’s little puds.
“Finally, a massive thank you to the first responders who helped Sammy, to all the staff at Waterford and Cork University Hospital, and to everyone who helped along the way. Your care and support will never be forgotten. Can I ask you to stand and applaud Sammy for the fight that you showed to the end.
“Rest easy up there, Sammy. You will never be forgotten.”
Sammy’s remains were carried shoulder high from the church to Ellie Goulding’s “How long will I love you” before he was laid to rest in Kilbarry Cemetery to the strains of Missing by Everything but the Girl, where tears flowed freely.
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.
