'Rest easy, brother' - Tributes paid to Mayo man after unexpected passing

Time stood still in the south Mayo town of Claremorris on Thursday afternoon as friends, family, and more came together to mourn the passing of Matthew Vahey.

Matthew unexpectedly passed away earlier in the week, leaving behind a heartbroken network of people who loved and appreciated him dearly.

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As the funeral procession filed into the pews in St Colman’s Church in the heart of the town, the sheer numbers of people who made their way to the front of the altar to offer their condolences to Matthew’s family was a testament to the regard in which he was held.

It took almost 20 minutes for the procession to pass by his parents and siblings in the front row.

Fr Peter Gannon was first to speak at the altar, and his words captured the significant loss.

“The greatest psychic in the country would not have predicted this gathering,” he stated. “No family deserves this."

The priest also touched on the volume of those who have come to commemorate the life of their dear family member and friend.

“When you have gatherings of this size. When emotions are so high, then that speaks volumes of the popularity and the way that his young man has touched so many people’s lives.”

Following his opening words, he invited Helen to the altar to call forward the gifts to the altar.

Caoimhe brought forward Matthew’s DJ decks, representing his passion for music and playing to everyone he loved. There was a ripple of laughter throughout the church as Fr Gannon held the decks high for everyone to see.

Next up was a yellow hat and ring, a symbol of Matthew’s unique ‘sense of style that only he could pull off’.

Hubert brought a camera up the aisle, which captured his love for taking photos of holidays and capturing memories.

Matthew had a special bond with his friends and was known as the ‘life of the party’, and this was represented by the photographs of his friends brought to the altar by Heather and Nicole.

Becky brought up a blue ball, which Matthew and his dog Freddie spent hours playing with.

His brother, Simon, carried a photograph of the family ‘as a reminder that there will always be seven Vahey’s’.

While there was laughter during the sermon, there were sombre moments, and the readers, Marian and Kealan struggled to hold back tears as they read at the pulpit.

Following the Gospel, Fr Gannon spoke again on the lasting impact that Matthew will have on all those who knew him in life.

“If I was to stand up here today and say he was a very quiet, shy young man, you’d be out that door because you’d know you were in the wrong church,” he stated.

“Because he wasn’t. He was a divil, and he was up to divilment, and that’s what kept him going.

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“He was a prankster, but we’re giving thanks for that.

“And for being a great individual, and a wonderful friend, and for being the best brother and adoring son. We know he packed even more in his years than many of us would do in a lifetime.

“He was his own man, his own free spirit. He had his own ways, his own style, his own jewellery, his tattoos all carrying messages, the most obvious one being the one of the harp with the seven strings representing the group of people in his life that were the most important to him, his parents and his family.”

As he spoke to the mourners, he urged them to ‘look after each other’ in the coming weeks and months.

Nearing the end of the service, Matthew’s twin brother, Adam, took to the stage backed by his brothers to offer some words in tribute to his close friend and sibling.

Adam reminisced on some great memories, such as his love for Manchester United or the time he came off the bench in a soccer match against Castlebar Celtic and nutmegged three players in a row.

“None of us, including him, could believe it,” he quipped. “His friends gave it the reaction it deserved, and I'll never forget his grin after the match. It lasted for weeks.

“Even though we lost 12-0, it was totally worth it.”

Galway soon became his home from home, and while his surroundings changed, Matthew stayed the same.

Even after moving out he'd often come home on his days off to visit and would proudly return to Galway with mum's homemade banana bread for his friends, always wanting extra chocolate chips. His Galway habits were no different.

“He still snored loudly, still rocked himself to sleep, and still struggled with cooking, but he gave it his all.

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“Matthew's social circle in Galway grew quickly from co-workers to strangers on the street who just wanted to chat because if there was one thing about Matthew, it's that he’d talk to a wall.

“His social life was almost as big as his personality, and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a true entertainer, whether DJing in the apartment or showing off his questionable dance moves, Matthew knew how to lift the mood.

“He had a gift for knowing exactly what his friends needed, no matter the circumstance, and he always found a way to make them smile.”

His last words struck a chord, as he spoke to his brother one more time before leaving the altar.

“Biggie, we know you found peace. When our own time comes, it'll be a lot easier knowing we'll see you again, so thank you for that.

“We can't wait to hear your outrageous jokes and infectious laugh. Love you always and forever, and I truly hope you know that.

“Rest easy, brother.”

Following the funeral service, Matthew’s remains were taken to Shannon Crematorium for a cremation service.

His personality was standalone, his spirit was free, and he will be sorely missed by all who know him.

Matthew will be deeply missed by his heartbroken parents John and Susan, his brothers Jack, James, Simon and Adam, his loyal canine companion Freddie, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of many friends.

May he rest in peace.