“Simply a wonderful fellow, so loving and caring, and who made such an impact in his short life”. Those were the words of Fr. Kevin Cullen as he addressed the packed congregation at the funeral Mass of 26-year-old Brian (Bob) Hearty on Thursday last.
Beforehand, Bob’s familiar tanker lorry led the cortege, bearing the colours of his beloved Silverbridge GAA club and flanked by his senior teammates, on its way to St. Patrick’s church in Crossmaglen. A lone piper led the procession and students from St. Joseph’s HS in Crossmaglen, where he was a past pupil, and from St. Paul’s HS, Bessbrook, where his mum Carmel is a member of staff, formed a guard of honour at the church entrance. Hundreds of mourners packed inside while many more listened outside as tributes were paid to the talented young footballer who tragically lost his life in a car crash the previous weekend.
Gifts symbolizing various aspects of his life were brought before the altar, they included a fuel tanker representing his work; his club jersey, football and golf glove, symbols of his love of sport; family photographs; and the key to his new house, which he moved into just a day before he died.
His heartbroken parents Gerard and Carmel, sister Geraldine and brothers Aidan and Conal were comforted by family and friends, many of whom travelled great distances from Australia, Canada and America, to pay their respects to their much loved friend.
Fr. Cullen spoke of Bob’s keen interest in sport, listing his many accolades won in school football, from underage to senior with Silverbridge GFC, and successes he achieved at Ashfield Golf Club, where he became a member at just ten years old. He paid tribute to Bob’s outstanding business acumen, for which he had “a natural flair”, but reserved the highest praise for his easy-going and kind temperament, surpassed only by his unique sense of humour that endeared him to everyone, young and old.
As the requiem Mass concluded, Bob’s cousin and best friend James delivered a moving eulogy, recalling happy times spent together over the years and paying tribute to the “legend” who packed so much into his short life, leaving behind those who loved him with “a life full of memories”.
Sinn Fein councillor Barra Ó Muirí, a neighbour and family friend, said the huge turnout at the funeral was “a testament to the kind of fella Bob was”.
“He had a very friendly, affable character about him and he always enjoyed the craic. You would never have seen him without a smile on his face. He was a good pleasant lad and he will be sorely missed,” he said.
