‘You were two gems of this world’ - funeral takes place of beloved couple Brian and Grace Frisby
The late Grace Elliott and Brian Frisby.
A final walk with the "most walked dog in Naas" was remembered at the funeral Mass of Waterford natives, Brian Frisby and Grace Elliott, who were tragically killed on the main Tramore road, on Saturday, February 21, as the adored couple were laid to rest in their adopted Naas on Friday afternoon last, February 27.
An overflowing congregation inside the Church of Our Lady and St. David in Naas heard how the devoted husband and wife had walked along the Tramore beach with their beloved dog Frodo, had a coffee, and then left to attend a family funeral, when tragedy struck.
Amid a sea of heartbreak, the two oak coffins of Brian and Grace were carried shoulder high to the altar of the church to the Christy Moore song “The Voyage”, sung by soloist Bernard Hennessy, where they were placed side by side in front of the heartbroken Elliott and Frisby families.
The Mass was concelebrated by chief-celebrant Fr. Liam Morgan, PP Church of Our Lady and St. David, Fr. Eamonn Aylward, family relative, Fr. Brian Kavanagh of Newbridge, and Fr. Robert Petrisor CC Church of Our Lady and St. David, with only standing room inside.
Three symbols representing the lives of Brian and Grace were brought to the altar: a family photo of the couple with their two sons, Theo and Fionn, in their Waterford jerseys; a hurley and sliotar symbolising their love of Gaelic Games; and shells and sand representing their final walk together.
A poignant tribute to their mother and father, penned by their youngest son, Fionn, was read by their uncle Michael, which read: “Mam and Dad, you know there’s no explaining it, but the bit that stands out for me was how you were both taking good care of yourselves. Two unreal, loving people out taking our family dog for a walk – the most-walked dog in Naas, as a few have mentioned.
“But along with the dog, it was us, Theo and me. We never put into words what it was like to have you as a Dad who would understand us as much, whether on the pitch or in school. It’s only in the past few days that I've heard stories of you when you were younger, and realised that you were 10 times more trouble than Theo and me!"
Fionn added: “I was only thinking as I was putting pen to paper of how you would know, if Dad was the same age as me now, that we’d be serious friends. Mam was by the book... Saying the word honesty wouldn't even do you justice. She was just a true human being.
“The mother she was is hard to put into words. There was one thing that she wouldn’t be honest about, and that’s if any of us were to play poorly in a hurling match. She was always unbelievable.
"We’ll remember your home-cooked dinners and how you told us there was no need to stop off. You were dead right. You were two gems of this world and always will be. We love ye.”
In a heartfelt homily, full of emotion and meaning, Fr. Morgan said: “We gather with very heavy hearts, and yet, it is so important that we are here, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Elliott and Frisby families, in this hour of greatest need.
“Sometimes in this life, there is a loss that is so devastating, a grief so overwhelming, and we wonder why the human heart can contain such sorrow and loss. This is a grief beyond words, and we are rendered silent.
“Extending our deepest sympathy to the parents of Grace and Brian, their brothers and sisters, however, it is Theo and Fionn who are first and foremost in our thoughts and prayers. We’re just so sorry, Theo and Fionn, that unbearable loss and pain have befallen your still young lives. To me, you're only chaps.
“It is a cruel hand of fate that you’ve both been dealt. The unthinkable happened on Saturday, which is a reminder that our whole life is very fragile. In life, there are no certainties, no guarantees, and we never know the day or the hour."
Fr Morgan added, “We cling to hope, love, and human connection. There’s no doubt that Grace and Brian were wonderful parents. They adored the very ground that Theo and Fionn walked upon. To their two boys, they gave everything. The blessing of love, the feeling of security and belonging, and a place to call home.
“An education, opportunities, family moments, a love of sport and GAA, and as two young lads, you did return the gratitude. You did so every day in the honest effort in school, attaining a university place, your activities, and never bringing trouble to the door of your parents' home. They loved you beyond words.
“I acknowledge that it's not easy to be here today, seated in the front row of the church, with two coffins standing side by side. It would be inconceivable to me if the love of two parents, your mom and dad, could somehow end."
He concluded: “I trust that their love, trust, guidance, and strength will continue to inspire and influence you both as life unfolds. Over this past week, you’ve been surrounded by people who love and care about you deeply, all standing with you, shoulder to shoulder, there for you.
“As we try to support you, we can’t fill this void as your mom and dad are simply irreplaceable. I suppose, in truth, it’s just the two of you – blood brothers, and as life unfolds, and it will, may this experience of immeasurable loss forge within you a tighter and closer bond. May life be kind to you, as it's everything you both deserve.”
In a tribute to her sister, Laura Elliott said: “The support that we’ve received over the last few days has been amazing. As a family, we truly appreciate all your visits, help and messages. At a time like this, I would normally turn to Grace for advice as she always knew the right thing to say or do when it came to anything family orientated.
“Asking CHAT-GPT what to say in a eulogy just wasn’t the same as having her. We know Grace as a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, but most of all as a mother to Theo and Fionn. She was inspired by her grandmother, Maisie, who had seven boys, and Grace wanted boys of her own, just not seven of them.
“Dedicated to her boys from the day that they were born, she loved seeing Theo go to college and being so happy there, and Fionn working towards college. She was proud of the great sportsmen they are and was so embedded in this beautiful community.”
Laura added: “Grace has a few special gifts, and one of those is with children. We were also so grateful to have Brian in our family. He brought the family values Grace loved, and they were the best couple for a night out. Grace had a special place in her heart for Brian’s mam, Mary, and she treasured those special times.
“None of us wants to say goodbye today to Grace and Brian, but we’ll treasure memories, great nights out, endless laughs, Grace’s fry-ups, her coffees, talking about coffees, her lasagnes, and her loud, infectious laugh that will stay with us always. To the Bomb and the Duck, we love you and rest in peace.”
Brian’s brother Michael also paid tribute to the happy couple, who he remembers staying with shortly after they were married in 2003.
“I want to thank my own GAA club, Mount Sion, Eadestown, and Naas GAA clubs for their guard of honour and their support, especially Conal Bohan, who is a great support to both our families at this difficult time.
“In the early 2000’s, they met each other in a place in Waterford called “Fat Sam's”, out having a few drinks, but where relationships really flourished was on the train going up to Dublin. After a few years, Brian consulted with Dad, his best friend, about asking Grace to marry him.
“They were married in West Cork back in 2003, and it was the best craic because the band never turned up, but we still had a great night with a singsong. It was the best night I ever had. The newlyweds went back to Terenure then, and I actually moved in with them just like every newlywed couple wanted."
Michael added: “Theo arrived in 2005, and fast forward three years, and Fionn arrived. The Frisby family was now complete. They adored you both, and you both adored them. Although you were in Kildare, Waterford was in your thoughts. Brian travelled a lot to watch Mount Sion games and spent many weekends in Waterford. They were Mam and Dad’s best friends.
“Since Theo and Fionn were born, Christmas has always been a very special time in Newport’s Square as they spent it with us. Grace was exceptional at making personalised gifts and homemade goods. She always had a kind word, a personalised touch, and warmth that you would be instantly drawn to her.
“I’ll never forget her smile. She loved her nieces and nephews. Brian, on the other hand, looked like Grant Mitchell from EastEnders, but he was the softest and gentlest soul. He loved his family first and then hurling. As a family, we are broken. We love you both, rest in peace.”
Liam Hennessy, chairman of Naas hurling club, also paid tribute to Brian and Grace, before their coffins were carried from the church to the David Gray song, “This Year’s Love”, before they were laid to rest at St. Corban’s Cemetery in Naas.
Brian is predeceased by his sister, Maria, and his grandparents, while Grace is predeceased by her nephew, Ciarán, and her grandparents.
Brian and Grace are survived by their sons, Theo and Fionn, their heartbroken parents, Seanie and Mary Elliott and Bernard and Mary Frisby.
Brian is also survived by his brothers Richard and Michael, sister Susan, brother-in-law Derek and John, sisters-in-law Debbie and Lorna, nephews and nieces Aoife, Emily, Niamh, Jack, Tadhg, Sean, Michael, Pauric, Amelie, Leila, Elle and Mila and grand-niece Annie.
Grace is also survived by her brother Stephen, sisters Denise and Laura, brother-in-law Gerry, sister-in-law Síle, nieces Sarah, Rebecca, Alannah, Romy, Jasmine and Sasha and grand-niece Averie, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
May they rest in peace.
