The celebration of the Requiem Mass for Michael (Mike) Gaine RIP takes place today at 10.30am at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare, in the Diocese of Kerry. The celebrant will be Father George Hayes, Parish Priest, Kenmare, and concelebrating will be Father Sean Murphy, Assistant Priest, Kenmare. Please see content from the liturgy below, including the homily to be delivered by Father Hayes.
Before the beginning of Mass
- Address delivered on behalf of family by Eoghan Clarke (Michael’s cousin)
Hello everyone. Good morning. My name is Eoghan Clarke and I am a cousin of Michael’s. I have been asked by Michael’s wife, Janice, to say some words this morning to remember Michael and I am absolutely honoured to be able to do so.
Michael was a proud man. A proud Kerryman and an even prouder Kenmare man. He was born in Kenmare in 1968 and lived here all of his life. He was raised by two incredible parents, Jimmy and Sheila, who instilled in him their incredible work ethic, personality and humour for which Mike was so well known. He had a great relationship with his parents and worked alongside them both (and in more recent times with Sheila). Michael was a loving son. He was the eldest of three children and he had two loving sisters – Noreen and Catherine (“Kath-rin”) who also inherited Jimmy and Sheila’s work ethic and who Michael loved dearly. He was a loving uncle to Emma, Rachel, Jamie and Mark and while I we can’t even scratch the surface of all the lovely stories that his sisters, nieces and nephews will have of Michael, I know that he was always delighted to spend time and to share his interests with them.
Michael meant so much to so many people and, throughout this eulogy and throughout this ceremony, I’d ask that everyone thinks of their favourite memories of Michael and to hold those happy memories in your mind.
Michael’s interests were as varied as his friend network and included: (i) Rallying; (ii) Farming; (iii) current affairs; (iv) Holidays to far away exotic places; (v) DoneDeal; and (vi) all music – even Opera! I see lots of faces here from rallying and farming but no “Pavarottis” in the crowd!
As we all know, Michael was generous. Incredibly generous. He had time for everyone and would chip in to help any time and any place. A quote by a friend of his summed Michael’s generosity and thoughtfulness better than I ever could: “I will always remember the way you offered help before I ever even asked for it”.
Michael seemed to always find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and to enjoy himself. I recall on one occasion when Mike was convincing one of his friends to head out for dinner one evening with the friend (who shall remain nameless) complaining that he was too tired. Mike shut down that argument immediately by replying “Shure, we’re all tired”. That was Michael – he loved life, he always made the most of it and he truly lived every single moment. Whether you met him during lambing or while on a trip away to a car show or rally event, he always had the iconic twinkle in his eye … the “I’m delighted to see you”, “I’m in great form” “let’s go and enjoy ourselves” glint in his eye.
Mike, by virtue of his incredible character, attracted a lot of good people into his life. My own friends describe their first time meeting Mike and have said that he instantly gelled with them, made them feel at ease and showed a genuine interest in them. Another beautiful quote I have seen from a friend of Michael’s was “I always left in a better mood after talking to or bumping into you”.
Michael had a great friend group here in Kenmare and in particular his group of rallying buddies. Janice wonderfully described Michael as someone who “honed in on someone’s personality when he spoke to them” and that he would “focus on their own interests, offering his own input while being careful to never overshadow them”. The genuine interest he showed in people allowed him to have friends of all ages and backgrounds. He had a photographic memory for facts, faces, places and words; and personally, this was always one of the most fascinating things to me about Michael – the ability to put in a full day’s shift on the farm and then to chat about politics / world events / economic developments, while being fully up to speed on all of them. If by chance you were also familiar with the political situation in some far away land, you’d mention a tidbit of information to Mike and he’d say “That’s right” and then give you a little more info again – always careful not to overshadow you.
I only recently learnt from Janice that Michael would wake up around five am each morning to catch up on world news and to stay informed. Michael was fascinating. And Janice obviously thought so too!
Michael met Janice in the Riversdale on a fateful New Year’s Eve. Janice had come from Jakarta to visit her parents in Kerry for Christmas when a young Mr Gaine, looking dapper in his dress suit plucked up the courage to speak to her at the bar. Michael explained that he was heading to Australia soon and in the days before Google and smart phones, Michael explained to Janice that “Garuda Airlines” (Indonesia’s national airline) seemed to offer the best value. Janice, (presumably intrigued by Michael’s extensive knowledge of flight routes to and from Australia), agreed to Michael’s invitation to dinner before she then returned to Indonesia in the New Year. For the next few years, Michael kept Telecom Éireann in business, feeding coins into one of the payphones in Kenmare to speak to Janice in Indonesia and then Taiwan, where he came to visit her. The rest is history and from the outside looking in, Michael and Janice had a truly beautiful relationship.
It always struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and how they both spent not just time but quality time together. They enjoyed one another’s company in every scenario, from simple trips to the cinema in Killarney, visits to new restaurants to try new cuisine, walks in the National Park, and adventurous holidays abroad – where inevitably, Michael would meet someone he knew and strike up a conversation. Michael and Janice took an interest in one another and one another’s interests and visited culturally rich locations together. Equally, Janice took an interest in Michael’s hobbies even blending at the annual Harley Davidson fest in the Gleneagle where Mike came second in a strongman competition and was asked subsequently what “chapter” of bikers he was in (the beard was in full bloom on that occasion!).
Janice and Michael’s sisters will know better than anyone that Michael had a soft, caring side. In Janice’s own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving. Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally and, as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically too!
Michael loved his animals. All of them. I’ve heard of the neighbour who would stop his car at the top of Corrig to admire the gloss and shine from Mike’s cattle. They were so well fed and cared for that they drew admirers – as they frolicked in the fields each Summer, so proud of their healthy-looking calves. Mike and Janice admired them too – with cows and calves being taken to the fields surrounding their home each Summer – where they would watch over them from their window.
Michael also loved his sheep dogs, sheep and lambs – although I’m sure the sheep tested his patience from time to time! And of course, I have to mention Teddy (or Ted – Michael and Janice’s Cavalier dog. Michael and Janice loved Ted dearly. Ted would come to Dublin with Michael as he dropped Janice to the airport. Ted would sit in the front seat of the Rav while you were in the back, and you wouldn’t dare to suggest to swap places with Ted! Michael would proudly introduce Ted to anyone new and tell them about his likes and dislikes! Ted liked a biscuit, some Tayto and on the very rare occasion, a drop of Carlsberg. Mike would proudly tell you that Ted knew the colour of the green beer can and that no other beer would scratch Ted’s itch. While Ted has sadly passed away after a long life with Michael and Janice, there is comfort in knowing that Alfie (also a Cavalier) and Michael had bonded too in the shorter time that they were acquainted – although Alfie hasn’t reached the legal drinking age in dog years just yet!
We will all miss Michael terribly. I know I’ll miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry.
I will now call on some of Michael’s friends to bring up mementos of Mike’s life and his varied interests.
- Symbols representing Michael’s life presented to Father Hayes
DJ O’Neill (Michael’s friend) brings up a photo of Mike on his quad – on his 1000-acre farm, with his faithful cavalier dog Teddy. He was a hard-working farmer who took great care of his cows, calves, sheep, lambs, sheepdogs and his farm. He loved visiting the Mart – chatting with everyone and enjoying banter with his friends.
Vince O’Shea (Michael’s friend) brings up a photo of Mike on holidays. Both Mike and Janice travelled the world together – visiting places like USA, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Cook Islands, Polynesian Islands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Wales, England, Taiwan and Hongkong. At home Mike had a special rail in his wardrobe for holiday clothes! He was ever ready for an adventure!
John Clarke (family friend) brings up a photo of the globe. Mike was extremely interested in current affairs and world events. He enjoyed history, geography and nature documentaries, was very interested in other cultures and would you believe it cookery programmes – from all around the world.
Edward Gibbons (Michael’s friend) brings up a photo of Mike and Janice’s wedding and Jamie O’Regan (Michael’s nephew) brings up a photo of Mike’s family – his Mom and Dad – Jimmy and Sheila and his two sisters Noreen and Catherine. Mike was a good husband, son, brother and uncle and he enjoyed his beautiful home, overlooking Kenmare Bay.
Donie MacCarthy (Michael’s friend) brings up a CD, which symbolises Mike’s love of all music. He loved the music of the American folk group – ‘The Mamas and the Papas’ – and the music and songs of the American blues singer Seasick Steve. Another favourite group of his was ‘Fleetwood Mac’. Mike and Janice enjoyed a Fleetwood Mac concert in Dublin and, guess what, Mike really loved the Aida Opera by Verdi – in the Verona amphitheatre, when Janice and himself visited Italy in 2016. He enjoyed the music and the elegance of the whole show and relished some ‘Dom Perignon’ champagne out of crystal champagne flute glasses!!
David Doran (family friend) brings up a photo of Saint Michael the Archangel. Saint Michael symbolises divine protection and strength and was a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of justice. Mike Gaine was a strong character who loved people and their stories. He was generous and big-hearted and never refused to assist anyone who needed help. He saw good in everyone and always stood up for justice. Like Saint Michael there was not an evil bone in Mike Gaine’s body.
Seán O’Regan (Michael’s brother-in-law) brings up a photo of Mike and his rally car and Shane McCarthy (Michael’s friend) brings up Mike’s rally helmet. He loved all motorsports and was very interested in cars. He visited the motor show in Birmingham. He especially enjoyed the rally of the lakes and the Fastnet Rally in West Cork. He frequented other rallies in Ireland, Monte Carlo and Monaco, Portugal and Salou in Spain. When Mike and Janice were planning their wedding, Mike asked Janice if he could choose their honeymoon destination. Janice was thrilled when he chose Cyprus. When they arrived, he informed her that he had a surprise for her “Guess what?” said Mike, “There is a three-day car rally on in Cyprus at the moment!!!” Janice knew immediately why Mike had chosen Cyprus. What a rogue! To conclude, I will ask you to honour Michael’s memory by doing as he did: (i) help others; (ii) enjoy life with that same fun-loving glint in our own eyes; (iii) spend not just time, but quality time with loved ones; and, (iv) try to lift people’s spirits after our encounters with them. In that way, Michael and his characteristics will live on. Rest easy Michael. Until we meet again. Thank you.
Beginning of Mass
Music and singing to be provided by Jim Kiely and Brian Finnegan in the church, and by Peggy Hourihan and Liqin Hourihan in church yard.
Opening hymn I watch the Sunrise, sung by Jim and Brian
- First Reading by Noreen O’Regan (Michael’s sister)
A reading from the Book of Sirach
A faithful friend is a sure shelter.
Whoever finds one has found a rare treasure.
A faithful friend is something beyond price, there is no measuring their worth.
A faithful friend is the elixir of life and those who fear the Lord will find one.
Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a person is, so is his friend too.
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm Be not afraid, sung by Jim and Brian
- Second reading by Marie Byrne (Michael’s first cousin)
A reading from the Book of Revelation
I, John, heard a voice from heaven say to me, “Write down: happy are those who die in the Lord! Happy indeed, the Spirit says: now they can rest for ever after their work, since their good deeds go with them.”
The Word of the Lord.
- Homily of Father George Hayes
Neidín, Ceann Mara, Kenmare is a place of enchanting beauty. The soft green hills protect us from the winter gales. Kenmare bay sparkles with the cleanest of water. Moss and ferns grow under our feet. As you drive toward Moll’s Gap from Killarney, on a summer evening, the mountains captivate you as they seem to be stacked behind each other.
And into this, our peaceful, idyllic, sylvan existence, something terrible has come. We are discommoded and feel at a loss. Over these weeks, since Michael went missing, we have asked so many questions – and, in life, sometimes, there are no answers.
But in the best tradition of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. Today we recover Michael’s dignity because, today, we speak Michael’s name with love. And it is the dignity of Michael’s life, and not the manner of Michael’s death, that will abide in our hearts. Here in this place, today, we recover Michael’s dignity. We speak Michael’s name with love.
Today, too, we gather to acknowledge Michael as someone who loved much and was much loved – for Janice, Michael’s wife, and for Noreen and Catherine, Michael’s sisters, and for Michael’s extended family and for Michael’s many loyal and faithful friends, today, we recall with love Michael’s memory.
Michael loved people. He loved farming and animals. He loved travel and adventure – as Eoghan told us, Michael enjoyed Verdi’s great opera Aida in the stunning amphitheatre of Verona – but, being a clever Kerryman, Mike had enough sense not to discuss that wonderful spectacle at the mart! Mike loved rallying and banter and chat and the daily human encounters. He was kind and good-natured. So, for all that was good in Michael’s life, we come to honour Mike and give thanks to God. We speak Mike’s name with love. And as we do at every Catholic funeral, we come too to commend Mike to our God of infinite love and mercy. Mike wouldn’t be the one to say that he was perfect – like all of us, he had his foibles and imperfections. So at this Mass, we pray that God will forgive Mike any of his human failings and welcome him into a place of light and of peace.
If you have ever visited Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, just inside the entrance on the right hand side, you will see the Pietà by Michelangelo, one of the greatest works of Renaissance sculpture. It depicts a beautiful young woman, Our Lady, holding the dead body of her beloved son. Jesus lies gathered in Mary’s arms and rests on her lap. It is a work of profound emotion. I can’t imagine the anguish Mary must have experienced at that moment – and sometimes it is difficult for us to imagine the anguish people experience in life. Many experience those Calvary moments … where the Cross comes into the very heart of our lives. And what Jesus says and what Mary says, in those moments, is ”I am with you”. Jesus walks by our side. There is no Disneyland magic wand to wave away life’s sufferings. But our hope is in the message of Jesus Christ – that God walks with us in all the joys and sorrows of life.
Today our challenge, as believers in Jesus Christ, is not to give in to the toxic. Let us not give in to hatred and bitterness. Let us not give in to death and destruction. Let us go from here today, and in Michael’s name, let us resolve to do good. Let us strive for justice and fairness. Let us be builders of peace and create relationships of dignity. Because, if you don’t build a better world and if I don’t build a better world, who will build a better world?
Christ consoles us and Christ challenges us. We are called to be our better selves. To build God’s kingdom. To allow Christ’s hope to blossom … just as the snowdrop emerges in spring after the cold and harshness of winter. Winter will pass. Spring will come again. There will be better days, We will continue to honour Mike and speak Mike’s name with love. And may Mike now rest in God’s eternal care and God’s eternal peace. Amen.
- Prayer of the Faithful
Rachael Gaine (Michael’s niece) – For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that the bonds of peace and charity may strengthen us as we look forward in hope to being united one day in the Kingdom of heaven.
Emma O’Regan (Michael’s niece) – For Mike, who lived a life of hard work, kindness and generosity and has passed from this life. May he now enjoy the lasting peace of heaven.
Brian Hickey (Michael’s friend) – For the family of Mike who seek comfort and consolation. We especially remember Mike’s heartbroken wife Janice, his two sisters Noreen and Catherine, his nieces Emma and Rachel, his nephews Jamie and Mark and all the extended Gaine family. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that comes from grief.
Mark O’Regan (Michael’s nephew) – We thank Mike’s faithful friends, neighbours and their families. We could not have got through these past few months without them. May they be rewarded for their unwavering support and treasure the many memories they have of Mike.
Adrian Randles (Michael’s friend) – For the Gardaí and detectives and all the agencies who supported them since we lost Mike. May they continue to be enlightened as they search for answers.
Orla Larkin (Michael’s first cousin) – For those who may be worried or anxious at this time. May they never feel forsaken and may they trust in God to care for them in all their needs.
Noreen Harrington (family friend) – For all who care for and support the heartbroken and the bereaved, that the Lord may sustain them and reward them for their dedication and kindness.
Louise Greaney (Michael’s first cousin) – For all those who have died. Today we especially remember Mike’s parents – Jimmy and Sheila and all the deceased members of the extended Gaine and O’ Sullivan families. We also remember Janice’s parents Sidney and June. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and may they welcome Mike with open arms, where together they will all enjoy the love, joy, peace and happiness of heaven.
- Offertory Procession
Hymn, Ag Críost an Síol, sung by Jim and Brian. Gifts brought up by:
– Catherine Gaine (Michael’s sister)
– Susan Doran (Michael’s first cousin)
Hymn, Ár nAthair, sung by Brian
- Hymns during Communion
– Here I am Lord, sung by Jim and Brian
– How great Thou art, sung by Jim and Brian
- After-Communion reflections
Norma Hanley (Neighbour and family friend)
We thank you, Mike, for being a good neighbour,
Always there to help,no matter the favour.
We’ll miss our chats along the road,
And how you’d pop in to fix things, new and old.
You always greeted us with a smile,
And gladly went that extra mile.
In times of need, we could count on you—
Just one quick call, and down you flew.
Your rally skills were quite the bonus—
With you around, there was no slowness.
Our hearts are broken; life won’t be the same,
Taken too soon—with questions, grief, and pain.
Rest in your palace, calm and bright,
and we’ll do our best for Janice, day and night.
Gone from our sight but never our mind—
a gentle soul with a heart so kind.
Maureen Finnegan (family friend)
Though we need to weep your loss, you now dwell in that safe place in our hearts, where no storm or night or pain or evil can reach you.
May this dark grief – flower with hope in every heart that loves you.
Your days here were too brief.
Let us not look for you only in memory, where we would feel lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence – beside us when beauty brightens, when darkest winter has turned to Spring.
May you continue to inspire us: to enter each day with a generous heart.
To do what you would want us to do.
To serve the call of courage and love and generosity, until we see you once again,
in that land where there is no more separation, where evil doesn’t exist – where all tears will be wiped from our mind, and where we will never lose you again.
- Final Prayers of Commendation led by Father Hayes
Janice leads the family out of the church holding Michael’s urn in her arms, cradled in a sheepskin lined basket.
ENDS