Barry Breslin remembered for his fun, warmth and great love of his family

At the funeral Mass in St Cartha’s Church, Kilcar, Barry Breslin was remembered as a young man with a mischievous streak, full of laughter and joy, and who had great love for his family.

Barry died in a workplace accident in Perth, Australia at just 35 years of age. He leaves behind his fiancée Melissa, their young son Tommy, Barry’s parents Mary and Seamus, brothers Owen (Beth and Hazel) and Shane (Gerard), his grandmother, Mary Ann (Byrne), his aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

At the Mass on Friday, October 25, Fr Willie Peoples said the huge crowd was testimony to Barry. He expressed the sympathy of the community to Barry’s grieving family, friends and associates.

Fr Peoples told mourners that he had not known Barry personally but that he had heard so much about him since his untimely passing that he was left in no doubt that Barry was a lovely person.

Born in Straleel in 1989, Barry attended the local primary school, progressing to Carrick Vocational School. 

“And you know when you put people together there is always that little touch of being a mischievous person and he certainly had a lot of that - and I was given permission to say that!” said Fr Peoples.

He reminded mourners that Barry had enjoyed underage football before going to America for a few months, and then to Australia in 2011.

“He worked at what he loved doing, driving diggers which he would have been fond of, fond of cars, all the things that young men like in life,” said Fr Peoples. 

“He had a heart of gold. He was also a person who enjoyed the fun part of life and then in time, as happens a lot of young men, he met a lady from Waterford, and she tamed him. I like that word, where you tame a person. You can almost imagine someone going into a cage and there is the tiger and your task is to quieten it down. 

“Any lady that can manage to quieten down people like God rest Barry had been a terrific achievement. I got extra permission to say that!”

Having welcomed their beloved son Tommy into the world, the couple planned to get married next year.

“That would have made that whole loving relationship complete,” said Fr Peoples.

“And that’s not the way it worked out, and that has happened many people. That brokenness came into the scene, the dark cloud that none of us wants to face. 

He added, “it will happen again and again, to people from all walks of life. 

The priest drew a parallel with One Direction singer Liam Payne’s untimely death. 

“The brevity of life is only a string that’s tightened and it can snap at any time,” said Fr Peoples, and he encouraged people to turn to their faith in God to help ease the pain.

“I pray in my heart that the darkness will lift from Barry’s family,” he said. 

Eulogy

A moving eulogy was read on behalf of Barry’s brothers Owen and Shane:

“It’s hard to find the right words to describe someone who meant so much to so many. Barry wasn’t just our brother he was our friend and someone we could always count on.

“From the earliest days of our childhood, Barry was full of life whether it was getting caught driving the tractor by the sheriff or the way he made everyone laugh with his sharp sense of humour or a cheeky smile, he was always someone who could brighten any room he entered.

“His kindness and generosity knew no bounds.He was always there for others lending a hand, offering advice or mentoring at work. Barry was always someone you could rely on.”

Mourners heard that Barry’s pride and joy was his son Tommy. 

“Being a father was his biggest achievement and he poured his heart into everything, into being the best dad he could be,” the eulogy continued.

“Barry created a fun and beautiful and full life in Australia with Melissa. He wasn’t shy to let everyone know that Melissa was the love of his life. Barry adored Melissa and together they built a home full of love, laughter and shared dreams.

“Barry has two other special ladies in his life, his mother who he thought the world of and was truly thankful for everything she provided for us all, Another special lady, our dear granny who Barry spent many a night on Facetime spilling a yarn or two and having a good laugh with. 

“Barry was selfless, hard-working and always put his family first. Barry took time away from Australia just to come home just to help dad build a shed. That’s the kind of person he was. The laughs and craic they shared over those weeks are memories dad will cherish forever.

“Barry was passionate about many things, especially his love for cars which has now been passed down to Tommy. Whether Barry was taking his dirt bike and going up the hill to hide on the guards or whether it was at the local racetrack in Perth, or spending time with the people he loved most, he gave everything his all. 

“Family meant everything to Barry. He cherished us all and we cherished him. The bond we shared as siblings was unbreakable and we’ll carry that with us the rest of our lives. 

“He loved us all deeply and he was fiercely protective of those he cared about. While today we feel the weight of his absence, I know Barry would want us to remember the good times, the laughter and the love.

“His spirit lives on in the memories we hold and the lessons he taught us about kindness, loyalty and living life to the fullest. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his presence will always be felt in the way we treat others and the way we laugh and in the way we face life’s challenges with grace and strength.

“Barry will be with us every step of the way. Barry, you will always be loved, missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Duke.”

Following the Mass, Barry’s remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. 

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in lieu of flowers in Barry’s memory may do so to The Claddagh Association ℅ McCabe Funeral Directors or any family member.