‘Rest in peace, our princess’ - Róisín Cryan's funeral hears heartbreaking tributes

A moving funeral mass in Carrick-on-Shannon celebrated the life of Róisín Cryan, fiancé of Mayo GAA star Conor Loftus, on Wednesday, January 15.

The service featured poignant displays—a spread of photos of Róisín and a sea of flowers arranged around the altar—reflecting the warmth and light she brought to those around her. The final farewell was held in the same church where she was baptised.

During the Mass, Parish Priest Fr Frank Garvey spoke about “the true meaning of life,” lamenting the mystery surrounding Róisín’s untimely death and the collective shock felt by the community.

“There are no easy answers to soften the pain of loss,” he said, emphasising that the gift of life is both fragile and precious. He added that Róisín, with her lovely sense of humour, lived life to the fullest; her inner and outer beauty were perfectly aligned.

“She always put the needs of others before her own,” he noted.

“I am deeply mindful that for many of Róisín's young friends, this is probably your first experience of the death of someone from your own age group, and of course, it is unreal and unnatural.”

READ NEXT: Tributes paid as 'lovely' man found dead in Galway after unreported crash is named

A variety of symbolic gifts were placed at the altar to celebrate Róisín's life. Among them was a cherished photo of her and Conor enjoying a holiday in Italy—a nod to her passion for travel and her eagerness to seize every opportunity to explore the world with him.

Items such as AirPods, runners, and an Apple Watch were also offered, representing her love for outdoor walks accompanied by music. Additionally, a photo of Ted—Conor’s family dog—along with his lead, was presented, reflecting the many hours Róisín spent walking the pup around the lake in Crossmolina.

Singers Sarah and Martina performed “I Will Raise You Up on Eagles’ Wings,” and a particularly moving moment came when Róisín’s sister, Ruth, shared a heartfelt poem she wrote: “Rosie with that smile that could light up the darkest night. Dad’s favourite. Your laughter was magic.”

Eulogists expressed gratitude to more than 500 volunteers who joined the extensive search for her. They recalled her humble beginnings - her first job at a sweet shop in Carrick-on-Shannon, her cherished circle of friends, and her embrace of life’s small joys—from beach walks and boho coffee to her growing love of the GAA, which blossomed after she met her fiancé and soulmate, Conor Loftus. The pair, inseparable since they first met, sees Conor left with a heart that is breaking.

“Rest in peace, our princess. We will love you forever,” her family vowed.