‘A delightful young man’ - Late Jarlath Ruane, Bundoran and Donegal Town

The heartbreaking scenes of grief and sadness that had descended upon Bundoran since the news of the unexpected and sudden death last weekend of Jarlath Ruane (33), continued on Thursday morning, February 29, as he was laid to rest in St Ninnidh’s cemetery following Funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.  

Jarlath had lived at No. 2. Station Road, close to his grandparents home and formerly of Wilson's Creek, Donegal Town and was the beloved and cherished only son of Adrian and Mary Ruane and adored brother to sister Niamh.

Mourners were told that Jarlath “was a delightful young man, whom people loved to be with”. 

His memory table reflected the many symbols and gifts that represented his life including recognition of his prowess and talent as an All Ireland athlete, hurdler, shot putt and long jumper, while still a student at the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town and a member of St John Bosco Athletic Club.; this included his running spikes and medals.

They also included Scooby’s toy, in recognition of his adorable family dog and an old iconic green mug, which predated Jarlath’s birth from his Granny Clare’s house near Tullan Strand and only to be used by him. 

Finally there was his cap, which was a rare thing to see him without.    

During what was a beautifully poignant and dignified Funeral service, chief celebrant and family relative Fr Brian Conway, reflected on the passing of Jarlath, while offering his sympathy to his parents, sister and partner and wife Chika, whom Jarlath had met when they both lived and worked in Canada. 

“What all of you have been through in the last few days is beyond our imaginings, our hearts go out to you as you struggled with the enormous shock and pain of your beloved Jarlath's sudden and untimely death,” he observed at the beginning of the Mass.

“Jarlath’s death has had a major impact on the whole extended family and on the entire local community, where he was so widely known and respected and has so many loving friends.”  

“Jarlath will be remembered in his community for his remarkable achievements and gifts, especially his relationship with other people,” he said. 

On what was a cold and crisp and later rainy morning, a beautiful ray of sunshine cast its way into the church from the eastern side of the church during the Funeral Mass, onto the memory table and coffin in what many affirmed was a blessing from afar, on this saddest of days.

Fr Conway was joined at the altar by Magh Ene parish curate Fr Jeremiah Munyoki, whom he thanked for his welcome, along with Fr John Carroll and Fr Thomas Keogan.

In his homily, Fr Conway reflected on Jarlath meeting Chika, that “beautiful first meeting 12 years ago in Canada, far from your home places, Japan and Ireland. You were the love of his life and just two years ago to the delight of all his family and friends, he came back home to Bundoran.”   

“And quickly because, you both are the kind of people you are, you settled into this new stage of your life together. 

“Jarlath came from a loving, caring family and he had a very happy childhood and received the affirmation and encouragement which enabled him to achieve so much in the world of sport and athletics and also his ability to relate with people from various backgrounds, people young and old.”  

“He was a delightful young man, whom people loved to be with.” 

Readings were from Diarmaid Long and Shena Ruane; Prayers of the Faithful were offered up by Dara Long, Patrick Lennon, Kevin McGlynn, Leah Barrett, Thomas Potter and Meadbh Corbett, while the Offertory Gifts were presented by Sarah Jane and Catherine Anne Leoonon. 

After Communion, a Final Reflection was read by Lorcan Long, a letter from Heaven by David Romano:

When tomorrow starts without me, and I‘m not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you, and each time that you think of me,  

I know you’ll miss me too.

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, 

For every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart”

At the end of the service thanks were expressed to the Church Remembrance Choir, the Emergency Services and to all who have supported the Ruane and McEniff extended family during this difficult time.

Jarlath’s passing is deeply regretted and will be forever missed by his loving parents Adrian and Mary, sister Niamh, his partner Chika Tokunaga, his brother-in-law Khalil Amiri, niece Sara, nephew Jacob, his grandparents Brian and Cautie McEniff, his aunts and uncles Catherine (Kevin), Seanie (Audrey), Fiona, Joanne (Michael), Briani (Karen), Tara (Shane), Barry, Deirdre (Garreth), Frances (Gerard), Brendan (Tracy), Darina (James), Meadbh (Paul), Patrick (Adrienne), James (Ciara), Shena (John), and his late aunt Nina's husband Jarlath, all his many cousins, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Jarlath is also predeceased by his grandparents Paddy and Claire Ruane from Tullan Strand, Frank O'Donnell and his beautiful Aunty Nina, who died in August, 2023.

Burial followed afterwards in St. Ninnidh's Cemetery, Newtown, Bundoran.

May he rest in eternal peace.