Carrabaun, Westport
BORN on November 7, 2003, Oisín Michael Kennedy was a quiet, gentle little baby - the apple of his mummy and daddy’s eye. The family were all thrilled when he made Naiose a big brother, none more so than Naoise himself who was aware of the latest arrival. When he was brought into the hospital, Naoise thundered into the room and demanded to hold little Oisín. He beamed from cheek to cheek like a new father. And so it began, a wonderful partnership, that was to last 12 magnificent years.
Oisín was a playful child who was full of fun and mischief, he loved nothing more than running around the garden in his wellies or even in his feet, chasing puppies and playing. The boys begged their daddy to build them a tree house and persisted in repeating their request until finally, the extensive discussions were completed between the three men and their hut was constructed. It was to their delight that both Naoise and Oisín were the workers with their daddy, and demanded a fine feast from their mummy- as they would say: ‘For the workers’.
Oisín himself was thrilled when he in turn became a big brother, with the arrival of Síofra. He had always loved babies and sure she was like a little doll for him. As the years went on he sometimes became more like a parent as he would often offer some guidance on what was best for her. Only a few months ago he said: “Síofra, I cannot swim anymore, but you have worked so hard, to be as good as you are, to give it up, so I want you to keep going.” That was the brother Oisín was, always looking out for others.
Oisín had passions in life. He had a great love of lego as it suited his astute mathematical mind. Quite recently he built the millennium Falcon from Star Wars, a gift from his school friends, in only a matter of hours, while his mother looked on [perplexed] trying to decipher the instructions.
All who knew Oisín knew of his great love of nature and fishing. He had a wish to buy a boat so that his family could take trips during the summer out on Clew Bay and feast on the mackerel.
A number of years ago he said to his daddy: “It would be great that when I grow up, I could be a fisherman and if you had grandad’s fish shop, you could do the selling and I could do the fishing.” Little did he know there was hardly enough fish in Clew Bay to supply a restaurant never mind the whole town. Oisín had dreams, plenty of them, and he never ever gave up on them.
Oisín’s diagnosis in late 2012 was devastating for the family and they could hardly imagine how they would ask a little boy of nine years, to face the pain, sacrifice and fears that the journey would present, but he did.
At the outset they agreed that like the story ‘The Lord of the Rings’, Oisín was to be the brave and humble Froddo Baggins, whose frightening quest was to destroy the ring (his illness). He faced it with fortitude and strength, but it could only be done on the condition that his loyal companion Sam (mummy) would travel the journey, along with his family, fulfilling the fellowship, never leaving his side and defeating his illness. The pact was made and the journey began.
Oisín’s bravery was incredible and, so much he valued family and friends, that he did not entertain the notion of not being better, no matter how difficult times got. He loved life.
He had a deep appreciation of friendships and the times he spent at school. His class were incredibly supportive throughout the three years and the support the principal and staff provided was immeasurable. A special word of acknowledgement is needed for the three best friends a boy could ever have, Dylan McGovern, Patrick O’Malley and Adam Walsh. They lifted his spirits in the lowest of times and while he was on treatment in Dublin, so far from home, he dreamt of the fun he would have in Westport with them. The Kennedy family will be eternally grateful to you boys, for the love you gave to Oisín. He will be your constant friend, forever.
The last few months have been difficult as the reality of Oisín’s illness became more apparent. As his parents, Alan and Olga’s only prayer for Oisín was whatever days remained for him would be happy and pain free. They sat about creating happy times and wonderful memories. He flew in a helicopter, travelled frequently in a limousine, partied with friends and family, became an honory member of the national Sea Angling team, travelled to Stamford Bridge and met the Chelsea football team. As a wonderful gift from God he was able to make his confirmation and he took the name Francis, which was perfect for Oisín, as he is the Patron Saint of animals.
As his family, Alan, Olga Naoise, Síofra along with Oisín’s extended family, are so grateful for the immense privilege they were given to call Oisín their own, for the last 12 years. Through his life and illness he taught them all and everybody who knew him so much about love, bravery, courage, compassion and patience. He inspired so many others to never give up and to know that success in life is not measured in years, but rather the imprint you leave on others.
For Alan and Olga, Oisín will always be their dearest son. For Síofra and Naoise, Oisin was the most inspirational brother anyone could ask for.
All that remains to say is that if Oisín Michael Francis Kennedy has taught his family, friends and others anything, it is that a life well-lived is never wasted.
