BY MICHAEL BRESLIN
Tears, shed openly, from among an impressive attendance of young people, were an emotional feature at last week's funeral Masses in Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea for the two local victims of the previous Sunday's road traffic collision.
The continuing delay in identifying Danica O'Rourke, from Attybarn meant the cancellation of her planned 11 o'clock funeral Mass. However, the 2 o'clock funeral Mass for Peter Leonard, from Carrickmacusker went ahead. It was largely attended.
His parents, Seamus and Janet were accompanied by Peter's sisters, Natasha, Laura, Paula and Hollie, and his wee brother, Daryl.
Peter was a Junior player with St Patrick's GFC and, at the end of Mass just when the coffin had exited the church, his number '19' jersey was pinned to it and carried, in relays, to the adjoining cemetery for burial between an impressive 46-strong guard of honour made up from club players and officials.
Fr Ian Fee, the celebrant, told the capacity congregation it was his very sad duty to welcome them into Holy Cross. Later in his homily, Fr Fee directed his comments at the young people present. He told them that life was 'beautiful but fragile' and needed to be treated with the utmost care.
At the outset, Fr Fee spoke of the close links that, sadly, had been forged between the two communities of Lisnaskea and Newtownbutler by the four deaths.
"We gather here very conscious of that link with the parish of Galloon, and I want you to know of the many people who called us from the length and breadth of this diocese, including Bishop Joseph Duffy, to tell us they ere thinking of us and praying for us, especially for the families concerned".
He told the mourners that everyone was welcome in God's house, and the place where one of God's children was brought back home.
"He blessed us with Peter's life, even though it was very short but, for the time he was with us we want to give thanks because there are many things we want to give thanks for. I know that memories of Peter being a sharp pain, sadness and grief, but it is our hope that those memories will in time bring a smile".
Fr Fee suggested that the most frequently asked questions of the past few difficult days was, 'what do you say on a day like this?'
"We have to search for some meaning, and I am very aware that here today I am talking to different groups, Peter's close friends and loved ones, neighbours and his workmates and our parish community, all of you who have journeyed to be with us.
"I am also conscious of the presence of the media, and hopefully we can send a positive message with them to give to others.
"The truth of our situation in Lisnaskea is simply one of great shock, despair and devastation. The words which were used these last few days are 'lost', people looking lost, lost in doubt and anger. All these things are very real".
But, Fr Fee suggested, that was probably why, as a Christian people, the community talked of Jesus being a shepherd, 'because there are times in our lives when we are lost and we need to be found. We turn to the Shepherd today and we ask him to find us and bring us to a place of peace, security and happiness, even though this now seems far from us at the moment".
The first thing, then, was to remember Peter Leonard's life, the photograph of him wearing the cowboy hat and sporting that mischievous grin and dancing eyes'. That picture, he said, summed up his spirit perfectly.
"Each of you will have your own memories, of shared laughter, fun and craic. These are your comfort. These are the things which will stand by you in the weeks, months and years to come. They will never diminish, just as he will never grow old. He will be eternally young".
Addressing the Leonard family, Fr Fee acknowledged that the part few days had been indescribable, 'a nightmare that any family would pay to keep far from their door, but it has come to you now.
"All that we can say to you is that we are here. The other night, as the remains came though the town, there was such an overwhelming sense of togetherness, of concern in people's hearts to let you know we are there with you. You are not on your own.
"This community, and there are any others who are thinking about you, will be there and we want share your cross. No one has to carry the cross alone. Jesus himself received help from others and strangers alike. So, we will be with you".
Then came Fr Fee's message to young people.
He said that a funeral Mass was not the place to 'preach or teach': "All we can say to you, and the words have already been said by Peter's own family is,'take care of yourselves and of each other'. Life is such a beautiful gift and, at your stage in life, the world is your playground. It seems there is nothing you can't do and it is only right you have dreams and hopes and to think of what tomorrow holds in store.
"But, on a day like this it will make you realise, just as to those who are a bit older, that life is beautiful but fragile. It has to be treated with the utmost care. Stand by each other. Support each other'.
He told the young people that, for many of them, this might be the first time they had lost someone really close to them. It made them question many things.
"There are answers to be found, but only by living life, by learning the experience of life, to teach and educate. This cannot be the end. The spirit of Peter I spoke about will break free and he will be with Jonathan, Anita and Danica, with all those gone before and, in time, ourselves".
Burial took place in the adjoining graveyard.
