Sunny balmy night 'became dimmed' when popular tradesman drowned, funeral hears
Simon O'Connell (41) from Meelaheeragh, Kanturk, Co Cork, got in to difficulty in the water whilst swimming at Dysert, Dromagh in Mallow, Co Cork at around 7pm last Wednesday.
The alarm was raised and the emergency services were at the scene within minutes. The body of the deceased was recovered down stream by members of the Cork County Fire Service.
Fr John Magner told mourners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk today that there was 'shock, numbness and devastation' in the community following the sudden passing of Simon.
'For me to witness Nancy (his mother) holding her son Simon recalls Jesus in the arms of his mother after the Crucifixion in Michelangelo's Pieta.
It (the sculpture) became a living reality for Nancy, for Jim (the father of Simon) and for the O'Connell family.'
Fr Magner said that Simon was 'gifted' with his hands. 'His work as a plasterer was much sought after for his workmanship. He loved the outdoors with the dogs and the ferrets and the horses and the fishing — all those outdoor pursuits.'
Symbols of the life of the deceased brought to the altar at the mass included a plastering trowel, a fishing net and a dog muzzle.
The emergency services who assisted at the scene were remembered in the prayers.
Following the 11.30am requiem mass a service took place at the Island Crematorioum in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. Meanwhile, a file on the case is being sent to the Coroner in North Cork. An inquest will be held in due course.
Mr O'Connell is survived by his parents James and Nancy, his siblings James and Barry, his nephews Jamie and Danny, niece Isla, extended family and friends.
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