Young Pomeroy man who ‘brought happiness and love’

A YOUNG Pomeroy man who passed away at the age of just 26 has been described at his funeral as someone who brought so much happiness and joy to those who knew him.

Hundreds of people attended the Reqiuem Funeral Mass for Brian Rafferty of Gortnagarn in the Church of the Assumption on Thursday.

Parish Priest of Pomeroy, Fr David Moore, said Brian had an innate ability to bring out the ‘very best’ in people. He spoke of Brian’s love of life, and how much he had enjoyed the music of country singer, Derek Ryan, and following the fortunes of Tyrone GAA.

“Brian was an immensely happy child who grew to manhood. Most certainly he was not defined by the complex needs of his disability. He was the absolute centre of the family home,” Fr Moore said.

“Marian and Seamus were very determined parents to integrate Brian into every aspect of family life. He attended Sperrin View School and then the Adult Centre in Cookstown and it’s just amazing the number of things that Brian crammed into his short 26 years.

“The photographs around the home tell of how much he was able to do with his complexities and how much was done for him. He loved being outside, loved animals; and celebrations were Brian’s big thing. He adored birthdays, and – a man after my own heart – birthdays meant cake.

“I am playing second fiddle to Derek Ryan this morning. Music is wonderful for all of us. Brian was such a fan of Derek Ryan and, needless to say, out of love and wanting Brian to be happy, Marian and Seamus toured the country wherever Derek Ryan was playing.”

Fr Moore said the word ‘happy’ aptly described the life of Brian. He added that the Adult Centre was his social scene during the day, and he had enjoyed many happy times with the friends that he had there.

He went on to acknowledge the work of Michael McElhatton and the Greenvale Hotel who had worked so hard to accommodate him at the time of sisters Teresa’s wedding , by knocking down part of a wall in the hotel bedroom to enable him to stay for the night.

“Brian was a person who radiated so much love. That was the things people did – they knocked out walls for Brian Rafferty.

“As he matured from childhood to adulthood, Brian became a bit more frail. At this time, he just didn’t have the strength to keep on going… I am so glad that you were all present when God called his name very early on Monday morning. These special 26 years have been your life,” Fr Moore told his family.

Brian Rafferty’s death was one of three which have taken place in the Pomeroy area during the past week. Tributes have also been paid to Joe McConnell, a member of the Pomeroy team which won the Tyrone Intermediate title in 1967 and former camogie and rounders player, Colette Laird.