Vincent Byrne
1952 – 2020

Funeral Mass in St. Patrick and St. Colman's Church, Laurencetown

Celebrant: Canon Powell P.P.

In life, each one of us can have an influence on the lives of other people. Just as Christ had an influence on each one of us and because of Christs influence on us, we belong to him, whether alive or dead.

Scripture reminds us that a time comes for our departure. In Vincey’s case he fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith, and we are reminded by St Paul of Christ’s death and resurrection and his gaining of salvation for each of us. He stands at the right hand and pleads our cause.

Our Gospel story this morning is that beautiful consoling story from St. John that they are many rooms in our Father’s house. We are all welcome. There is an open invitation to ‘come, follow me’, We are reminded of Christ’s own words – “I have called you by name – you are mine’. He accepts us as we are, provided we acknowledge that Christ is the ‘way, the truth and the life’.

When a person lives, there is a story to be told. In each of there is a unique story to tell - the story of his or her life.

Vincent was born in April 1952 to Mary and Vincent Byrne. He had 4 brothers and 4 sisters. He met his wife Sheila Moore while frequenting Bleary. They fell very much in love and married at the young age of 20.

Vincey worked as a labourer all his life. They had 4 children together – Stephen, Linda, Deborah and Shane. They moved out to Bleary when the children were small. There they raised their family. After many years Vincey moved back to Gilford- his beloved wee village where everybody knew him and loved him.

He always enjoyed a wee flutter and many a day’s craic was had in Gilford bookies. He was known to have gone in and started a bit of a debate. Then he left the lads to finish debating it. He was called the handy man of Gilford, cutting many of the neighbour’s lawns and taking care of their guttering.

He had a heart of solid gold and would have given anyone the last bite out of his mouth. He wouldn’t have passed anyone without a chat or a hello.

His whole life changed when his 9 grandchildren came into the world. He lived for them. Everything he did was for them. They were his whole world. He phoned them every other night - but after a few Bacardis, maybe 20 times a night.

He spoke of the people of Gilford with great pride and admiration. He was the best father and grandfather and a very good friend to many. He will be missed more than words can explain and he will never ever be forgotten.

Today then, we bid farewell to Vincey – (we will forgive him that he was a supporter of Everton) - but despite your sense of loss you will face the future with courage and hope, knowing that is what he would want you to do, We comfort one another in the sure hope that for Vincey, that life had changed – not ended.

We also derive comfort from the conviction that he is at peace with God, but if we are sad today there is much to be thankful for. We grateful for the life he had; we are grateful for all the joy he brought into your lives and for you, his loving family, there is the comfort of knowing you were able to show him throughout his life how much you all cared for him and appreciated him.

I extend our sympathy today to his wife Sheila, his children Stephen, Linda, Deborah and Shane – all the grandchildren and the extended family.

May he rest in peace.