A young Irishman killed in a workplace accident in Australia has been remembered as being “mischievous” with a heart of gold who lived for his fiancee and young son.
A “huge” crowd gathered today at St Cartha’s Church in Kilcar, south Donegal to say a fond farewell to Barry Breslin, 35.
Barry, who had made a life for himself with fiancée Melissa Taheny and their son Tommy, 3, in Australia having moved there in 2011, was killed while working outside Perth on October 3rd last.
Indeed, parish priest Fr Willie Peoples revealed how the couple planned to get married next year.
Fr Peoples told how he had been given permission to say how Barry, fondly known as ‘Duke’ had been “mischievous” growing up and loved cars, football
“Barry seemed like a lovely person to me. He was taken too early. He received his education at Carrick Vocational school, the tech. You know when you put young people together there’s 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.”
He added that Barry played underage football for Kilcar and then traveled to America before heading to Australia where he planned to live his life.
He loved driving diggers for a living and cars and “all the things that young men like in life.”
“He didn’t miss out on anything at all. He was typical, he had a heart of gold. He was also a person who enjoyed the fun part of life.”
However, all that changed when he met the love of his life Melissa from Waterford.
“He met a young lady from Waterford and she tamed him. I like that word. You can almost imagine someone going into a. cage and there is the tiger and your task is to quieten it down. Anybody who can manage to quieten down, God rest him, people like Barry, it has been a terrific achievement – and I got extra permission to say that.”
He added that he had no doubt that Barry and Melissa and son Tommy would have made a nice life together in Australia.
“Into the scene came their little boy, Tommy. Melissa and Barry planned to get married some time next year and just make the whole loving relationship complete.
“And that’s not the way it worked out and that has happened many people, that brokenness came into the scene, that dark cloud that none of us want to face and it happened and it will happen again to people, and again and again. People from all walks of life it occurs to.
“It’s interesting that at the same time that Barry lost his life, that young singer Liam Payne died also, the brevity of life that’s only a string that is tightened and it can snap at any time.
“That’s why we need God. If we love God in any shape or form we will believe in him and if we love God at all it will take that little bit of the darkness away and I pray in my heart that the darkness will lift from Barry’s family and friends and Melissa and the little boy who doesn’t know anything about his daddy but will be told many times and many things and that that darkness will turn into light some day because there will be an understanding.”
Among the offertory gifts brought to the altar were a framed family picture, a GAA jersey and a toy digger.
A picture of Barry in a black suit and white shirt sat proudly on top of his coffin.
Among those mourning the loss of the popular young man were his parents Mary and Seamus, his brothers Owen and Shane (Gerard), his grandmother, Mary Ann (Byrne), his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, many friends and neighbours.”
A personal tribute read at the end of the funeral mass on behalf of brothers Owen and Shane recalled Barry’s early years growing up in Donegal.
“It’s hard to find the right words to describe someone who meant so much to so many. Barry wasn’t just our brother but our friend and someone we could always count on.
“From the earliest days of our childhood, Barry was full of life. 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.”
But the friend added that his pride and joy was his son Tommy.
“Being a father was his biggest achievement and he poured his heart into being the best dad he could be. Barry created a 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.”
He added that Barry had two other special ladies in his life whom he appreciated so much and that was his mother Mary and grandmother Mary Ann.
“Barry was selfless, hard-working and always put his family first. He took time away from Australia 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.”
The friend added that family meant everything to Barry and he cherished them all.
“He loved us all deeply and was fiercely protective of all 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 great 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.”
At the end of the mass a screen was put up for mourners showing the lyrics of Barry’s favourite song “There Will Be Time” by Mumford & Sons and Baaba Maal as it was played.
