Emma ‘brought light to the streets of Killeter’

“HOOLIE is definitely not resting… I’d say it’s one heck of a party up in heaven.”

These were the words of Fr Paul Fraser at the Requiem Mass of Killeter woman Emma Lynch (34), widely known as ‘Hoolie’, who died suddenly in the early hours of St Patrick’s Day.

The poignant service, held in St Patrick’s Church in Aghyaran on Friday, began with family members bringing up mementos to Emma’s story life, in which she spent involved in sports, her friends and family.

“We don’t know what series of events led to the tragedy that unfolded on the morning of St Patrick’s Day, but in the last few days the words spoken by family and friends have been of comfort and consolation,” said Fr Fraser.

“It has had an incredible impact on the community, but it has brought friends and family together to share hilarious and cherished memories.”

Speaking about Emma’s childhood, the parish priest told mourners how she was ‘spoiled rotten’ and full of fun, reminding friends how she was well-known for her pigtails.

Fr Fraser spoke about how, between primary and secondary school, Emma had little focus on education. Instead, she enjoyed playing football with the boys and chatting to everyone in the corridors.

A major part of Emma’s short life was her early involvement in St Davog’s GAA club in Aghyaran, where she played as a goalie for many years.

The priest also told the story about how Emma got her nickname ‘Hoolie’, recalling a camping trip she went on in her younger days. One morning, she woke up to find her hair was sticking out, resembling the popular character Miss Hoolie from the children’s TV show, Balamory.

Fr Fraser described how Emma was a ‘permanent fixture’ in Killeter.

The priest said, “She would be seen all day, every day, walking up and down and, much like in her school days, she would stop to chat with anyone that passed by.”

He added that Emma’s open, sentimental words to friends and family were an “extraordinary testament to a woman who touched so many lives and will continue to after her passing”.

The funeral heard that Emma described seeing Westlife live as ‘the best day of her life’. Their tune, ‘Starlight’, was a personal favourite.

Fr Fraser said ‘Starlight’ may as well have been written about ‘Hoolie’, adding that she ‘brought light to the streets of Killeter’.

After Fr Fraser’s words, the church erupted in applause, which he said ‘was for Emma’s life’.