Tragic Grace Mary Sweeney was a “girly girl” who loved to tell stories, heartbroken mourners heard at her funeral mass today.
The seven-year-old passed away following an accident at a swimming pool in Majorca, Spain on the 23rd of June.
Grace’s life was celebrated at her Funeral Mass at St. Michael’s Church, Creeslough at 12pm today and was attended by her family, friends and students from Faugher National School, Portnablagh.
Father John Joe Duffy spoke of the sadness of the day, saying that, today, the church is “the last place any of us want to be” and that words seem to be “inadequate” at this moment.
Father Duffy was assisted by Fr Patsy Arkinson, Fr Martin Doohan and Fr Seamus Murphy.
“The heaviness of the sky reflects the mood we are in today,” he said.
“We wish we could reach into your heart, Geraldine, and take away the pain.”
He said that, unfortunately, “grief is the price you pay for great love”.
Mourners were told how Gracie’s family bravely consented to donate some of her organs so others could receive the gift of life.
A picture of the little girl, once so full of life, sat on top of her little white coffin at the top of the church.
Fr Duffy also reminded mourners that Gracie was now in heaven with her late father John who passed away in a tragic construction site accident on London.
Grace was remembered as a girl who loved to dance, was always telling stories, was full of hugs and cuddles and always put others before herself.
She looked up to her big sister Cara and was always wearing her Communion dress in preparation for her own.
Pink was her favourite colour, as she loved things to be bright and colourful, and people were asked to wear bright colours, instead of black clothes, to honour her life.
“Grace’s feet didn’t touch the ground when she walked, she was always dancing,” Fr. John Joe Duffy said.
“Even though her life was short, she filled the home with love.”
He also offered his condolences Grace’s mum Geraldine and her partner Damien, her brother Patrick and sister Cara, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and prayed for her dad John and grandad who had passed away.
“Grace is now in the arms of her dad and will help you from heaven,” Fr. John Joe Duffy told her family.
Gracie was buried afterwards at Doe Cemetery.
May her gentle little soul rest in peace forever.
