The number of years is not the measure of life, funeral of Kyle Mooney hears

The untimely death of 21-year-old Kyle Mooney has rocked the close-knit community of Killybegs.

Mourners travelled from far and wide for his Funeral Mass which took place in St Mary of the Visitation Church, Killybegs on Wednesday morning.

Speaking of Kyle’s warm and outgoing personality and his wonderful smile, Very Rev Colm Ó Gallchóir PP told mourners: “The number of years is not the measure of life.”

The celebrant expressed condolences to Kyle’s grieving family, his parents Martina and Warren Mooney,  sister Amber, brothers Colin and Calvin, step-brother Morgan, Granda Mick Doyle, Granny Philomena  Mooney,, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

He welcomed Kyle’s friends from Galway who had travelled for the wake and funeral, those from St Catherine’s Vocational School, and members of Sligo Rovers FC where Kyle’s brother Colin is a member of the U19 team.

Rev Ó Gallchóir also welcomed Fr Ben Hughes, Head of Chaplaincy at the University of Galway, as well as everyone who was watching online.

The celebrant reminded mourners that Kyle was born in April 2001, the eldest of four children born to Martina and Warren Mooney.

“He attended Niall Mór NS, St Catherine’s Vocational School and he was one of those on top of the class there and was king of the debs in his Leaving Certificate year in 2019,” said Rev Ó Gallchóir.

“And he was near completing his Third Level education in Galway.”

Mourners heard that Kyle enjoyed his music, particularly Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Dani and Lizzy.

“He was into fashion,” continued Rev Ó Gallchóir.

“He loved going out for a coffee and when he did so, he was always well dressed. He had a great sense of dressing up.”

The celebrant said that Kyle had lived life to the full, adding: “So much so that the news of his sudden death sent shockwaves of bewilderment not only to his family and to his own community here in Killybegs but also to his peers everywhere and to all with whom he was associated. 

“How can we make sense of a young person of 21 going on 22, dying before his time?”

Referring to the Gospel, Rev Ó Gallchóir said: “We believe that we will meet again beyond this broken life with its too few years and its too many tears. 

“In the meantime, support each other in your loss. Be attentive to each other’s pain knowing that Kyle belongs to the kingdom of love which is in our midst. 

“We hold Kyle close within our hearts and there he shall remain to walk with us throughout our lives again, throughout our lives until we meet again.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Symbols of Kyle’s life were brought to the altar along with the offertory bread and wine.

The celebrant said: “We have a picture of Kyle which represents his big smile which he had for everyone, and representing his big bubbly personality and of course his hair which was different every time. He loved his hair.”

The next item was a pair of trousers, symbolising Kyle’s sense of style.

“He loved his fashion and he could get away with wearing anything,” said Rev O’Gallachóir.

A sash was brought forward in recognition of Kyle’s popularity.

Rev O’Gallachóir said: “He was prom king and had so many friends around the country.”

Before Kyle’s remains began their  journey to his final  resting place in the local cemetery, Rev Ó Gallchóir conveyed thanks to all who had assisted in the Funeral Mass in any way.

“We thank those who help with the prayers, reading and gifts, and Dean Conaghan for his beautiful singing and uplifting music.

He thanked the Ministers of the Eucharist, the Sacristan, Funeral Directors, Fr Ben Hughes and everyone who helped in any way at such a difficult time for Kyle’s family.

As he began the final blessing, Rev Ó Gallchóir said: “You can literally hear the silence in the chapel this morning and feel the solidarity as we bid farewell to Kyle.”