Mourners at the funeral of Marina Crilly have heard her described as an “exceptionally good girl” who “loved life and worked hard”.
Family and friends of the 24-year-old gathered in St Patrick’s Church, Ballymacnab on Friday morning, where someone “who touched all our lives” was recalled with great dignity and affection.
It was fitting that the beautiful hymn, Lady of Knock, should precede the Funeral Liturgy, as it gave an indication of Marina’s devotion to Our Lady, which was something which celebrant, the Very Rev Gregory Carvill, would reference and return to during his homily.
Fr Carville assured all of the family, including mum Sally and brothers Mark and Jake, that Marina’s son, baby Cillian, would continue to bring joy into their lives as they watched him grow up.
Symbols placed on the altar were a reflection of Marina’s life, so tragically cut short alongside three others, in a road traffic collision at Ballynahonemore Road, Armagh, during the early hours of Sunday.
A family photograph, a CD, for her love of music, her make-up brushes and bag, her work uniform, from Greenpark Nursing Home in Armagh, and a little statue of Our Lady – all were symbolic of those things which were central and important to Marina.
Fr Carville told all present of the moment the lives of the Crilly family – and the families of Phil Mitchell, Keith Morrison and Emma Mallon – were forever changed.
He said: “Last Sunday morning, Palm Sunday, this community and beyond was waking up to what appeared to be just another Sunday and then news began to break that four young people had died in a vehicle accident in Armagh in the early hours of Sunday morning. Soon we were to learn that the occupants were from the area, from this parish and then their names were shared. Philip, Keith, Emma and our own parishioner, Marina Crilly.
“We all felt the shock, the disbelief. We felt that such a tragedy couldn’t have happened and shouldn’t have happened. All the occupants were so young with a life ahead of them.”
Fr Carville spoke of how much more difficult the loss was for the Crilly family, coming so soon after the loss of Marina’s father, Jason.
“It was only three years ago last August that Marina’s family and the Boyle/Crilly family came to this church to bury their father, Jason,” he said.
“He himself died at a young age. And for tragedy to come to Sally’s door once again in such a short time is unbelieable. As you know yourself, Sally, it was only last Saturday night that you came into the sacristy to be asking for a box of envelopes because you said I want to do my part for the Church and joined up in the Gift Aid. And I said to you Sally, I’ll see you on Monday or Tuesday, I’ll call over to your house for the usual chat and visit.
“And little did I think I would be there in less than 24 hours to offer you support and comfort at that time.
“What can I say to Sally, to Mark and Jake and baby Cillian, the grandparents, the uncles and aunts and friends today? What can I say to you but to lean on the massive love and support and solidarity of this community and beyond for you in these sad days, and may you remember it in future times and remember it as our testimonial to Marina as a sign of great love and concern for the Crilly and Boyle family.
“It was just over three years ago that we came here to this church and baptised baby Cillian, the little son of Marina and Senan. What a joy that child has been to all, especially since the passing of Jason. Cillian has lifted you, Sally, and her young uncles, her grandparents, and brought so much joy to all at sad times. And I believe that he will continue to bring you so much joy in the years ahead. His mum may not be here but she certainly will be in Heaven, guiding and loving Cillian and you all forever.”
Turning to Marina as a person who was so well-loved, Fr Carville, said she was “an exceptionally good girl”.
“She loved life, worked hard, was a brilliant daughter, a wonderful mum, a great sister, and now that has all been taken from you all too soon,” he continued.
“But she will always be remembered as a good girl, a brilliant daughter, a magnificent mum and a sister, and a beautiful granddaughter and a lovely niece – all gifts from God, I believe – and this legacy will be passed on to all through little baby Cillian as he grows up.
“I asked Sally the best way to describe Marina and she said two words: a monkey and an eejit! Sally they’re your words, not mine, but I say to you as the worst coffee maker ever, whenever I go into the house. But she was always clowning around, always in great form.
“She loved her job in Greenpark Nursing Home and was ever so thankful to the staff for giving her a job that suited her hours of working around baby Cillian. He was her number one. And she said Greenpark was the best job she ever had and I want to thank Greenpark for that today.
“Marina was a very pretty girl and yet she was a very ordinary girl, but pretty in more ways than one, a very stylish girl, ordering dresses, ordering make-up. Style was important to her. There was always a path from the Royal Mail or Amazon lorries, deliveries direct to the house every day to bring the latest style, the latest make-up, whatever girls have.”
Turning to Marina’s faith and that of her family, the celebrant said it was something which will bring comfort – that and the support of all those who wished to share their memories at this time.
Said Fr Carville: “For a young girl to have a faith that she did, she had a beautiful devotion to Our Lady and I am in no doubt that Our Lady will help you in this terrible moment in all of your lives. There is no doubt we will all have difficult days ahead but we are all here for each other.
“And three things, if we can remember them today – memories, time and prayer. Memories. Remember all the good times of Marina Crilly. The love, the joy, the happiness, the fun she brought to many, many people’s lives. Time. This will take time to heal. Any of us who have gone through grief know it takes time. And folks, there are agencies, there’s family, friends, there’s counsellors, who will help you all, who are fully qualified, who will help you in your grief. They will have the correct words to say to you at the time you need them.
“And God, Sally and the family, will speak to you through many, many people who will come to visit you and you will realise it is God who has sent these good people to your home to comfort and support you.
“And finally prayer. Prayer does help. I know Sally and Marina are great prayers. Sally, you are a good church-goer and you come here from a great prayerful family who believe strongly in God and a God who never lets you down.
“Our prayers are with you today and every day, and there are hundreds of people praying for you from all over Ireland from last Sunday and will continue to pray for you, and prayer will give you the strength that you need. Memories, time and prayer will help.”
After the Mass, Marina was laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard, as preparations continue for the funeral of her friend, Emma Mallon, the last of four young lives lost, who will be laid to rest on Easter Sunday.
