Big turn-out at funeral of Galway farmer killed in accident
Paul was much loved by his local Loughrea community with people flooding to pay tribute to a man that was “one in a million”
The funeral of a Galway farmer and dad-of-one who died in a farming accident last week took place on Monday.
Loughrea local Paul Kelly tragically died during an incident which involved spreading slurry on a field in the area.
Paul, who was in his 50s, was laid to rest in Clostoken Cemetery after mass at the nearby Church of the Holy Family.
The Health and Safety Authority and gardai are both investigating the fatal incident which led to Paul’s death.
Leading the mass, Fr Brendan Lawless called Paul’s death “tragic” and said he would stand with his daughter, Tia, through the words of Christ to help her get through this difficult time.
Fr Lawless said: “We are confident that Christ will not only take care of him but will take special care of him, precisely because of the kind of death he suffered.
“I want to say may the Lord bless him and guide him on his final journey, and may he rest in perfect peace.”
Tia’s mother Jana said that Paul had taken care of her from the start of their relationship until the end.
She told mourners: “I met Paul on February 14, 2014, Valentine’s Day. Paul was a very handsome, funny and very, very clever man.
“Paul was charming and handsome. But there was one thing more important than the relationship, he truly, truly cared for me. From the start of our relationship, he took care of me until the last day.”
The family said they would like to express their sincere thanks to all their family, neighbours and friends for their kindness and help during this very sad time.
Paul was much loved by his local Loughrea community with people flooding to pay tribute to a man that was “one in a million”.
One close friend said: “It is with absolute shock and sadness that I have to write this condolence. My deepest sympathies to your daughter and family. The bed of heaven to you Paul, you really were one in a million. Hard-working, kind, funny, and always helpful. From Carrabane, to secondary school and socialising, it was always great craic, meeting you. Rest easy Paul with your lovely parents Vincent and Bernadette. RIP.”
Another added: “Shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Paul. He and I started in Tetrarch together sitting practically opposite each other, I was probably melting his head with questions on building problems, which Paul always answered, helping me understand the various issues that our day to day job brought. Paul was always a Galway man though, never wanting to stay in Dublin. I am very saddened by his death and send my sincere condolences to his family, especially his daughter and her mom. Rest in peace Paul. You will always be remembered.”