Mourners at the funeral of a hugely popular Lurgan man heard how he was “the life and soul of the party wherever he went”.
Hundreds of friends and family, of 39-year-old Michael Downey, packed into St Peter’s Church in Lurgan for his funeral Mass on Saturday afternoon.
The father-of-two passed away suddenly on New Year’s Day.
The priest spoke of Michael’s fashion sense, joking that it was perhaps honed by his three sisters from an early age.
He also highlighted Michael’s playful nature and lively spirit, sharing a story about his competitive streak — earning 10p per toe-tap from his dad until his father realised the error of his ways and threw the ball away when Michael reached £25.
Michael, who was steeped in the local sporting scene, from his playing days to those spent as a coach, was a real character — a prankster – who terrorised his teammates over the years.
“Michael was the life and soul of the party wherever he went,” said the priest, “and his friends and all who knew him will hold on to those moments and memories for a lifetime.”
He continued: “It is clear just how much Michael will be missed and how much devastation is left behind by his absence.
“This community has, over the past few days, been plunged into a true abyss of darkness. The loss of Michael has left us all with so many unanswered questions, feelings of helplessness, despair, and anger, along with real grief and pain. This reality is exceptionally difficult to bear.”
However, the priest spoke of the “glimmer of light,” describing how the community, GAA, and soccer clubs have rallied behind the family, offering their support and friendship, with “so many individuals, families, and groups making it known they are willing to do whatever might need to be done”.
“In these darkest of moments, the light of community shines so brightly.”
He added: “While we can never fully understand what Michael was going through in his life, we might ask and wonder why he could not see that light.
“In this tragedy, Michael can now actually become a light to us. Let us not allow what we have experienced in these past few days to be in vain. Let us truly endeavour to continue making this light known to all in our community.
“Let us also continue to support each other in friendship and solidarity through our clubs, groups, and organisations. Let us make it known throughout this community and beyond that there is support and assistance — people who will listen and help with whatever struggles we face, no matter how dark our grief feels at this moment. Michael will always be a light to guide us.”
Michael was laid to rest in St Colman’s Cemetery afterwards.
Our thoughts are with Michael’s wife, Aine; his children, Pippa and Teddy; his mum and dad, Barry and Ann; his sisters, Lisa, Laura, and Louise; and all those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
