Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time

20 January 2016

CASTLEWELLAN came to a standstill yesterday for the funeral of teenager Ellen Finnegan who died in a weekend fire in the town.

The Assumption Grammar School student’s life was tragically cut short following a blaze at the family home in Lower Square. Ellen was in a room above her father’s butcher’s business during the early hours of Saturday when the blaze started. She died despite the efforts of the emergency services to save her.

Around 1,000 people attended yesterday’s service and lined the streets in Castlewellan as the funeral cortege made its way from the Woodvale area to St Malachy’s Church, just a short distance from the scene of the weekend blaze.

The church was packed to capacity with several hundred mourners standing outside where they were joined by young people from a number of local schools, representatives from Castlewellan GAC and members of the Fire and Rescue Service. Businesses in the town also closed as a mark of respect.

Among the mourners were Ellen’s teachers and friends from the Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, with students from St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan, St Patrick’s Grammar in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch’s St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College also in attendance.

Many of the young people arriving for the service were visibly upset with a number of Ellen’s friends from the Assumption in tears, while many of those inside St. Malachy’s Church were moved to tears during the heartbreaking and poignant service.

Canon Sean Rogan, who was the chief celebrant during the service of Requiem Mass, said people had attended the service not only to celebrate Ellen’s life, but to pray that the Lord will give her rest and peace. He extended a particular welcome to Ellen’s teachers, classmates and friends.

“I welcome today members of the Fire and Rescue Service, the PSNI and the medics and paramedics who attended the tragic scene on Saturday morning, along with representatives from local sports clubs and the business community.

“In particular, we come here to welcome Ellen’s father Bartley, his sister Una and sister-in-law Michelle and her siblings and the whole family circle. Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers go out to you at this traumatic time in your life.”

The homily was delivered by Fr Sean Cahill who said Ellen died “suddenly, tragically and in a way that leaves us all feeling numb and helpless,” offering sympathy and prayerful support to the teenager’s family, student friends and companions at this time of grief.

Fr Cahill continued: “We think Ellen could not have been ready; she was too young; not yet 19 years old. Ellen had not time to find her way in life, even if university places were opening up for her; no time to plan the bright career she might have embarked upon in — given her talents and personality — public relations, social services, management, communications. Careers opening up, beckoning her, but suddenly closed so dramatically.

“I believe and suggest to you today that Ellen was more ready than she knew; more ready than any of us could have imagined, God our Father does not judge our readiness for his eternal kingdom in terms of university qualifications or academic achievements; or in terms of successful careers or wealth acquired, or in terms of articles published, journeys completed or sporting awards. The measuring tape of the Lord is put around the heart and it assesses the width and of the embrace of our love. Love is all important.”

Fr Cahill said he knows Bartley’s father cherishes the last conversation he had with his beautiful daughter whom he and his late wife Nicola loved and treasured so much. The priest said he was “privileged” to witness the paternal and maternal pride and joy they felt for Ellen through the years when he served in the parish.

“I believe it is a special grace for you Bartley to be able to cherish that last message to you. Ellen wished you a good holiday on your planned skiing trip and added, “I love you daddy. Daddy I love you’.  

“A saint theologian teaches us that at the end of our lives we will be judged by our love. Ellen loved and was loved so deeply. Thank God St Paul offers us a link between the virtue of love – the greatest of all the virtues and Christian hope.”

Fr Cahill said people’s memories of Ellen will always remain young and vibrant, recalling that her school friends and teachers speak of her “lighting up any classroom she entered.”

He continued: “Ellen’s family relatives and friends will remember her enthusiasm on the ski slopes and on the camogie and football pitches; her endurance at cross country running. Earlier, she was an accomplished and fearless horseback rider. Ellen also loved music, played her drums and had a special regard for ABBA.”

Fr Cahill added: “What does death do to life? What does Ellen’s tragic death do to our lives? I suggest that death makes life precious because today might not have been and today will not come again. Death makes life urgent for love.”

Following the service of Requiem Mass, Ellen was laid to rest at the family burial ground at Aughlisnafin cemetery.