Mourners at the funeral of “easy going” and “fun loving” Oran Marron heard that he had many loves in life… the greatest of which was his family.
Twenty-one year old Oran from Crossmaglen passed away suddenly following a short illness after moving to Australia on March 10, shortly after his 21st birthday.
Celebrating Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s chapel, Father Maloney acknowledged that on a such a sad day there would be no answer to the question, “Why did Oran die so young?”
Oran was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 2004. The priest added: “So we could say he had five birthdays, not 21.”
But in that short life he achieved much and loved widely.
Of Oran’s many loves, Father Maloney said: “He loved Gaelic football playing under age with Crossmaglen Rangers. He supported Cross Rangers and Armagh and actively followed the GAA Championship with great interest, even if Armagh were no longer involved.
“He was a Man United supporter in the midst of Liverpool supporters and wasn’t afraid to cheer them on, even if Liverpool were winning the Premiership.
“Koda was his dog who donned the Man United jersey as he brought him for a walk.
“He enjoyed country music. Declan Nerney was one of his favourite artists.
“He worked in Applegreen in Castleblayney. His friends will fondly remember his easy going personality and his great laugh. He enjoyed the fun and the banter.
“His greatest love of all was his family. Jacquie today has many treasured memories that will stay with her all her life.”
When Oran travelled to Australia, the priest said he did so with a motto: “I am there, not to make money, but to make friends” and in the space of six months the priest said he made many friends who are today mourning his loss.
In testament to his great sense of humour, Father Maloney shared that Oran recently told his granny he was “living the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget”.
Oran held a deep faith. Two years ago he went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje – an experience he loved and hoped to return to one day – and “always wore his Celtic Cross”.
And while Father Maloney acknowledged the grief of Oran’s nearest and dearest, he said they were “consoled” by the fact that during his life Oran “showed much love”.
Among offertory items brought to the alter by Oran’s loved ones was a family photo and a photo with friends, both of which Father Maloney regarded as “very apt” for the love he had for those around him.
There was a mobile phone symbolising how “keenly” he communicated with those at home.
A Cross Rangers jersey denoted his lifelong support of his home club and a Costcutters’ uniform representing the love he had for his job and colleagues.
Two flags – Irish and Australian – honoured his love for both countries and the life he built in each.
The priest offered his sincerest condolences on behalf of himself and Deacon Paul Casey to all of Oran’s friends and family, at home and in Australia and promised to keep them in prayer in the days, weeks and months ahead.
