Background
The Funeral Mass for the late Louise and Mark O’Connor, and their son Evan RIP, was celebrated at 11.00am today in Saint Patrick’s Church, Dundalk. The chief celebrant for the Mass was Father Gerry Campbell, Parish Priest and Vicar Forane for the Pastoral Area of the four parishes of Darver & Dromiskin, Kilkerley, Knockbridge and Louth. The concelebrating priests were Father Mark O’Hagan, Parish Priest of Saint Patrick’s Church, Dundalk; Father Stephen Wilson, Curate of Saint Patrick’s Church, Dundalk; Father Sijo John, Curate of Louth Parish; and, Father Pat McEnroe Pastor Emeritus, Assistant Priest for Darver & Dromiskin. The church’s webcam livestreamed the Mass on https://www.churchservices.tv/dundalkstpatrick
Presentation of symbols
Mark
1. Runners, medal and Boston running book – Anita (Mark’s Sister)
2. Record by musical group Queen – Kerry (Mark’s God daughter and Niece)
3. A cook book – Úna (Mark’s Niece)
Louise
1. Record of musical group A-ha, and sheet music from choir – Majella (Louise’s Sister)
2. Cat collar – Aoibhinn (Louise’s Niece)
3. Photo of nurse – Antoinette (Louise’s Sister)
Evan
1. Holiday photo book – Niamh (Evan’s Cousin)
2. Odd socks (tied in a knot, the last pair he tied in a knot himself) – Caoimhe (Evan’s Cousin)
3. Swimming cap – Tara (Evan’s Cousin)
4. Thomas the Tank Engine model train (not specifically Thomas, but a different train from the show) – Emma (Evan’s Cousin)
Beginning of the Funeral Mass
First reading – Old Testament: Shauna (Cian’s Fiancé)
Second reading – New Testament: Marcus (Louise’s Brother)
Homily delivered by Father Gerry Campbell PP VF
This time last week, news of an awful tragedy began to filter through the townlands of Drumgoona, Tallanstown, and the Stonetown area of Louth Parish — and quickly from county to county — of a terrible family tragedy: the deaths of Mark, Louise, and Evan O’Connor.
A family so deeply loved and so highly regarded — not just in their local community, but far beyond it.
So much has already been said about them — so many wonderful words of admiration, affection, and sorrow. All I can do today is try, in some small way, to focus on each one of them through the Word of God — Mark, Louise, and Evan — and then to hold them together, as they always were in life, united in love. Because what shines through every memory, every message, and every tear is the deep love that Mark and Louise had for each other, and the boundless love they both had for Evan — their son, their joy, their pride, and their world.
First let us look at Mark. In the Gospel we heard Jesus say: “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” From what I heard and what I read, Mark knew what it meant to labour — not just in his work, but in his calling to justice and compassion. Whether it was through Inclusion Ireland, advocating for people with disabilities, or co-founding the ABACAS School, Mark gave himself completely for the good of others. He was a man of quiet integrity, of deep conviction, and of steady purpose. He believed, as Isaiah proclaimed, in a God who “wipes away the tears from every cheek.” Mark tried to do that in this world — bringing hope, healing, and equality wherever he could. And as Saint Paul might say, “He ran the race to the finish and kept the faith.” Running was more than a pastime for him — it was a way of life: he was highly disciplined, very determined, and ran with purpose. He read books on running, won medals for running, in a relatively short time he knew so much about running … what to eat, what to drink, the best footwear and He encouraged others to keep going, to stay the course, to finish well. And now, having finished his own race, we trust that he rests in the peace of the Lord who welcomes him home.
And now Louise. In the second reading, Saint Paul says, “I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord.” That captures something of Louise. She was full of life — talkative, warm, musical, and compassionate. Her love of singing, her laughter, her care as a nurse, her devotion to her family — all were expressions of a heart alive with love. Louise showed us the face of Christ the Healer. She cared for others with gentleness and humour, bringing comfort and joy to the people she met, whether in hospitals, or at the VHI call centre, or among friends in her beloved Local Vocals Choir.
And above all, she loved Mark and Evan with every part of her being. She and Mark were soulmates, having first met in secondary school. She being a Saint Louis Girl, and he a De la Salle boy, two years her junior — they were partners in life and in service — a couple whose love overflowed into action, especially in their care for Evan and in their advocacy for other families living with autism. Now, we trust that she has heard those tender words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant, come and share your Master’s joy.” May her laughter, her song, and her kindness echo forever in God’s presence.
Finally, Evan. Isaiah in today’s first reading tells us: “The Lord will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.” When we think of Evan — his love of holidays, of swimming, of his colourful odd socks and bright tee-shirts. His love of Thomas the Tank Engine — His joy in going to the Hub Praxis in Drogheda, his love of theme parks, aqua aerobics, going with his Dad to the Park Runs …in all of this we see a young man who brought light and joy to those around him. Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” Evan, in his simplicity, his cheerfulness, and his innocence, reminds us of that truth. His joy was pure. His smile could light up a room. His love was unfiltered and wholehearted. We believe that the Lord who formed Evan in love has now received him back into that love — complete, radiant, and free. May Evan, who loved the water and the wonder of life, now share in the living waters of eternal peace, safely guided by the loving hand of God along the track that leads to his heavenly home.
Over these past days, the outpouring of love for the O’Connor and Doherty families has been extraordinary. If you look at website rip.ie, you will ll find nearly thirty pages of condolences —that is unprecedented: all from people who worked with Mark and Louise, from runners, from the Abacas school and the Hub Praxis in Drogheda and from people who, while they may have never met them at all, felt so moved by their story that they reached out.
When we look at their family, their son and brother Cian who has been exceptionally strong throughout these last days and your very supportive fiancée Shauna. When we think about Sadie, Bernadette and Ann. When we look at: Marcus, Majella, Deirdre and Antoinette as well as Chris, Anita, Caroline, Ruth and Mary. You have been exceptional throughout this long goodbye.
And to hear your love and compassion for Robert in the midst of this heartbreak is a powerful Christian witness to us all. We add our prayers to yours — that the Lord, who said “Come to me, and I will give you rest,” will surround Robert with His strength, His peace, and His healing presence.
But perhaps, as we gather here today, there are families across this country quietly wondering, “How close are we to something like this happening in our own home?” Given that Mark devoted his life to advocating for the disability sector and for those in need, it would be remiss of me not to echo his spirit and appeal for greater care, compassion, and resources for mental health in our nation. We cannot bring them back — but we can honour them by ensuring that no other family has to walk this road alone.
Even in our grief, Saint Paul’s words in Philippians speak to us: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God … and the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
That is our prayer today — for peace:
“Peace for Mark, who ran life’s race with courage and faith;
Peace for Louise, who cared, who sang, and who loved deeply;
Peace for Evan, whose light hearted joy reflected the heart of God;
and peace for Robert, and for all who mourn them.
May the God of compassion, who called them by name,
now welcome them home to the banquet Isaiah foretold,
where ‘the Lord wipes away every tear,’
and where love, laughter, and life have no end.”
AMEN
Prayer of the Faithful
Father Gerry: In the midst of the dreadful tragedy that has brought us all together today, we take comfort from the words of Jesus, our loving Saviour, who invites us to turn to Him, to find the peace and rest that only He can offer. Trusting in the compassion and mercy of our Heavenly Father, we place our needs before Him as we pray:
1. Alannah (Louise’s Niece): We give thanks and praise to the Lord for the lives of Mark, Louise and Evan and for the unique gifts with which they were each endowed: for Mark’s exceptional support and unfailing commitment and advocacy for those in need, for his modest ways and unassuming personality that achieved so much in his time among us; for Louise, who was also devoted to serving the needs and welfare of others through her nursing career, and whose joy and laughter endeared her to so many people; and for Evan, whose zest for life and colour brought out the best in so many of us. May the Lord grant them the reward of eternal peace and happiness with Him in Heaven. Lord hear us.
2. Bridget (Louise’s close friend): We pray that the Lord, to whom nothing is impossible, will grant comfort and peace to the grieving family and friends of the O’Connor family, and to the whole community as we try to come to terms with the sadness of our loss. We remember especially Cian and Robert, sons and brothers, Cian’s fiancée Shauna, Louise’s mum Sadie and also Ann, her brother Marcus, and sisters Majella, Deirdre and Antoinette, Mark’s mother Bernadette, his brother Chris, his sisters Anita, Caroline, Ruth and Mary, along with their nephews, nieces and all who knew and loved them. Lord hear us.
3. Caroline (Mark’s Sister): We bring to mind today all the family members of Mark. Louise and Evan who were called from this life before them, especially Louise’s aunts Maureen and Nancy and her father Tony, and Mark’s father Johnny and his brothers John and Noel. May they all be joyfully reunited in the peace and joy of our Heavenly Home. Lord hear us.
4. Roisín (Louise’s Niece): We give thanks to God for the many people and organisations who reached out to help the family in their tragedy, including the first responders, Evan’s carers, the community of Stonetown, the staff of Staff of Oliver’s Community Unit, the North-East Runners and all the running and nursing families, Quinn’s Funeral Directors, Dundalk Credit Union, An Garda Síochána and the ambulance service. May the Lord bless them abundantly for their service and dedication. Lord hear us.
5. Mary (Mark’s Sister): We pray for all who work in the caring professions. May they always reflect the compassion of Jesus in the way they care for those they tend, and treat them with the dignity and love they need. Lord hear us.
6. Eabha (Louise’s Niece): In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we pray that the Lord will give strength and courage to all affected by stress or trauma of any kind, especially to those whose faith in His unconditional love and mercy is weak. May they come to know that He is present with them at all times, and turn to Him for His healing, help and consolation. Lord hear us.
Father Gerry: Lord Jesus, those who die still live in Your presence. Their lives change but do not end. We pray in hope for our sister Louise and brothers Mark and Evan. Welcome these beloved souls into the warm embrace of your unending peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Two for Offertory Procession
Bernie (Shauna’s Mam) and Ruth (Mark’s Sister)
Post-Communion Reflection: Chris (Mark’s older brother and Cian’s Godfather), reading Eclipse.
ENDS