The preciousness of life was honoured at the Funeral Mass of the late Liam Doherty today in Cranford.
Liam Doherty Junior, a beloved son, grandson, brother and friend, touched many lives in his precious 19 years.
His sudden passing last Friday sparked shock and sadness along the coast of Mulroy and beyond. Amidst the heartache of today, Liam’s Funeral Mass recalled the many happy memories his parents Liam and Adele, his close family and friends will cherish forever.
Mourners were reminded that every day is a gift, just as every day of Liam’s short life was a gift to all who knew him.
At his Funeral Mass today at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Cranford, Fr Paddy Dunne spoke of Liam’s best qualities, his talents and his passions. The Mass took place under Level Five restrictions, while thousands of mourners watched online via Facebook.
Fr Dunne spoke of how Liam’s creative talents were nurtured during his time at Mulroy College, and he pursued his love of the arts by enrolling in an Art and Design programme at the North West Regional College in Derry.
Liam’s ties to his local athletics clubs and underage football clubs in Milford and Cranford were celebrated, as was his love for Liverpool and Celtic. The anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rings true for the Doherty family and Liam’s many friends as they come to terms with their loss.
Fr Dunne said that, in a short life, Liam had left his mark on so many people.
“Life is short, that is why today is so tragic. It’s a reminder that each day is a gift. Each one of us is a gift. Each breath is a gift. Our talents are gifts to be shared. We are gifts to be shared,” said Fr Dunne.
The Mass, in celebration of Liam’s life, highlighted his unique gift of imparting warmth and kindness on everyone he met. Friends, family, and all those he met through his part-time jobs at the Rosapenna and then in Rockhill Park would recall his ever-positive nature.
“He had this beautiful gentle, respectful, yet confident and warm presence. He had his own values and his own strong personality in the best way possible,” said Fr Dunne.
Liam’s legacy also lies in his music. A talented guitarist, he was a member of a band named White Lighter, and he enjoyed every moment of making music with friends and also performing in the Mulroy Variety Show.
Fr Dunne highlighted how Liam’s many achievements, his many friends, and his world travels led to a rich life.
His family was reminded that “he was loved, and he knew he was loved. He grew up knowing that from all of you as a family and that is a lovely treasure that you have given in your hearts, that you loved that young man in every way.”
On this difficult day, the words of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ were shared as a source of comfort to Liam’s loved ones.
“We walk together, and God walks with you, and God is with you,” Fr Dunne said. “Don’t lose hope. Hold onto the hand of God, because God wants to hold your hand. May God’s peace and strength be with you now. Especially Liam’s family today.”
