The funeral takes place today (Monday) of a young Bessbrook father-of three who was tragically killed in a work accident on Friday.
Twenty-two-year-old Toirdealbhach Larkin was helping build a shed at a farm near Kinallen Road, Katesbridge when the incident occurred shortly after 10.00am. It is understood the young man was crushed by falling masonry. The ambulance service and the charity air ambulance responded, however Mr Larkin died at the scene. The Health and Safety Executive says it is investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Partner of Aoife and dad of Scarlett, Lily-Mae and Thomas, Toirdealbhach is a son of Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Sinn Fein Councillor Mickey Larkin. Extending sympathy to Mr Larkin’s bereaved family, Megan Fearon MLA expressed “deep shock and sadness” at the tragedy.
“The thoughts and prayers of all are with Toirdealbhach’s family as they come to terms with the news of his tragic death and I extend my condolences to them on behalf of myself and Sinn Féin,” she said.
Former UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said he was shocked to hear of the death of the young dad: “It’s just tragic for his family. I am sure the entire community will want to sympathise and rally around the family as they try to come to terms with it,” he said.
Toirdealbhach’s father Mickey represents the Slieve Gullion DEA and is an active supporter of Dromintee GFC. Club Chairman Aidan Rice offered his sincere condolences to the councillor and the entire family circle.
“Mickey is always very supportive of club events and works hard in his Councillor role in the local area. The committee and members of Dromintee GAC were very saddened to hear of the death of Toirdealbhach, especially in such tragic circumstances. Our condolences to Mickey and the Larkin family,” he said.
Former Council Mayor, party colleague and close friend of Mickey, Pat McGinn said the entire community in Bessbrook and beyond is stunned and saddened at the nature of Toirdealbhach’s tragic passing.
Toirdealbhach’s remains were waked at his mother Sandra McCartney’s home on Dominic Street, Newry, where hundreds passed through to pay their respects and sympathise with his heart-broken family.
Requiem Mass takes place in the Dominican Chapel in Newry at 12.30pm today (Monday), followed by burial in St.Mary’s cemetery.
Left to mourn Toirdealbhach’s passing are his partner Aoife, children Scarlett, Lily-Mae and Thomas, parents Mickey and Sandra, grandmother, and brothers and sisters Tanya, Peter, Charlene, Caoilfhionn, Tiarnán, Lochlainn, Seadanta, Conor, Shea, Lyndon, Oisín, Ruairí, Conall and Cillian.