Rossyvera, Newport
Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated on Friday morning, the Feast of the Assumption at 11.30am. Canon Concannon was the chief celebrant assisted by concelebrating priests Fr Billy Sheridan Newport and Nigeria and Fr David Loftus Newport and Los Angeles.
The Readings at Mass were read by Neasa and Andrea Chambers, Seán’s two god-daughters, and the Responsorial Psalm ‘Be Not Afraid’ was sung by Seán’s brother Jerome. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Kathleen McLoughlin, (niece), Richard Scott (nephew), Cormac Moran (nephew), Christopher Chambers (nephew), Susan Lavelle (niece), Tommy Chambers (brother), Michelle Staunton (niece), Deirdre Chambers (niece), Caroline Dowling (niece) and Jamie Chambers (nephew).
At the beginning of the Offertory Procession symbols and tokens associated with and representing various aspects of Seán’s life, were brought to a table in front of the altar by his sisters; Kathleen brought a family picture, showing the family he loved so well, Margaret brought a pack of cards - Sean always enjoyed a game of cards which he played up to the end with his sister Margaret and close friend John McManamon, Elizabeth carried his national and international tug-o-war medals which he won with Tiernaur, Teresa carried a packet of tea and Carroll’s cigarettes, a symbol to all of the hospitality shown when visiting his home and of course his love of cigarettes, his niece Kathleen McLoughlin on behalf of Seán’s sister Ann in Cleveland and his late sister Mary B, carried a picture of the Burrishoole Clubhouse which he loved and with whom he did such Trojan work. The Gifts of Bread and Wine were then carried to the altar by his daughter Stephanie and wife Orla.
Throughout Mass hymns were sung by the Newport Church Choir with Sean’s sister-in-law, Mary Chambers singing ‘Lady of Knock’, and the recessional, Seán’s favourite song ‘The Streets of London’ was sung by Paddy Corbett and Linda Walsh.
In his homily, Canon Concannon spoke of the pain death can bring to a family and of the great help and support a large family can give each other; he said “there is also great help in our Faith and today’s feast of the Assumption is a reminder that death is not the end, for in the darkness of death, faith shows us the light of hope that is there for all of us. In today’s reading St Paul speaks about Jesus being the ‘first fruits’ of the resurrection; Mary was next and where she has gone, we can go; there is the offer of the joy of heaven and re-union with our loved ones; that is one good reason why Faith is such a treasure.”
He continued, “Seán was baptised into the Faith here in St Patrick’s Church on June 23, 1956 and lived by his Faith, like his parents Michael and Maud before him. He was a popular man and no wonder, as he was blessed with a lively personality full of wit and fun, loved the chat, the game of cards, and sport of many kinds.
“He was a tug-o-war man, on the Tiernaur teams of 30 years ago and only a few months back he was happy to celebrate their past victories at a dinner dance in Tiernaur. To see the way he fought death so stoutly for the last few days you would say he was indeed a tug-o-war man. His other great sport was the GAA and he will long be remembered in local history for the part he played in the Burrishoole Football Club. It took a great community man like Seán to be treasurer of the Club for the past 15 years, right up to his death; there was no downturn in the economy of the Burrishoole Club while Seán was there, he saw to that through his own dedication and hard work together with his team of helpers; in a political world he would have made a great Minister for Finance.
“Today’s Gospel tells us that Our Lady when called, set out to help her cousin Elizabeth as quickly as she could - that was the spirit of Seán; may we always have people like him who will help to make their community a better place. The guard of honour made up of young footballers, senior footballers, retired footballers, club officials and extended club members is testimony that his contribution to the running of the club was great and much appreciated.”
On extending heartfelt sympathy from himself and the community to Orla and her children and the extended Chambers family, and the many people who were close to Seán, Canon Concannon said “we don’t know all the answers to questions we ask at sad times like this, but we do know, that Mary was taken body and soul to heaven at the end of her life and where she has gone, we can go; at the end of life’s journey what else really matters?”
At the end of Mass, Seán’s brother Jerome spoke about Seán saying “he received the grace to prepare for a ‘going’ that befitted his easy going character; we will all miss him but his spirit will live on among us, quoting ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you always’.”
He said that after the death of Mam and Dad, Seán and Orla took over the management of Rossyvera House, continuing the tradition of a céad míle fáilte for all; he was always ready to help, doing things privately without recognition; he loved the bit of banter and craic - being with him was always memorable; he had the ability to make people feel special through his generosity and kindness; he was a real Burrishoole Club man with time for everyone even when it came to football final time, with the demand for tickets and people calling non stop.
He continued by saying that “people have described Seán as being warm, mischievous, someone who would brighten up your life and give you a laugh, and a great family and community man; and he had all of those qualities.”
Jerome on behalf of Seán, thanked the priests who comforted him and his family during his illness, and the priests present at his funeral on both days; all the health-care personnel who cared for him and helped him manage his illness; the Burrishoole GAA Club who formed the guard of honour which was a great tribute to Seán; those who helped manage the never-ending traffic as people called to the house; all who helped Orla in the kitchen at all times providing food for everyone; Seán’s great friends and neighbours and John Nevin for his wonderful kindness.
He then concluded by reading a letter from Seán to his wife Orla, daughter Stephanie sons David and Jonathan. This was followed by a tribute from a long-time and close friend of Sean’s, Peter Moran, who on behalf of himself and the Burrishoole GAA Club recalled past events, special moments, work for the club, and particularly a true and great friendship with a person that everyone will miss dearly.
The funeral then proceeded to Burrishoole Cemetery with Burrishoole Club members and players, friends and neighbours carrying the coffin into Burrishoole, and his brothers, brothers-in-law and close friends then carried it on the final journey to where Seán was laid to rest. The crowds that turned out each day were a reflection of the respect and high esteem in which Seán was held by everyone.
Seán, who was predeceased by his parents Maud and Mick Billy and his sister Mary B, is survived by his wife Orla, daughter Stephanie, sons David and Jonathan, sisters Kathleen Staunton (Kilmeena), Margaret Lavelle (Furnace), Elizabeth Scott (London), Teresa Moran, (Ardagh), Anne Loftus,(Cleveland), brothers Tom (Newport), Séamus (Dublin), Padraig (Dublin), Michael (London), Christopher (Carrickmacross), Brendan (Castlebar), and Jerome (Ballycastle), nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, in-laws, neighbours and a very wide circle of friends all of whom will miss Seán with his mischievous grin, his kind and witty words which brought a smile to so many, the loyal friend and committed worker – Heaven’s gain is Newport’s loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
