Tributes at funeral Mass to man who died after Mayo street incident
Peter McDermott was recalled at his funeral Mass today as an extraordinarily hardworking, religious-minded man who found his “little piece of heaven on earth” overlooking the sea at Murrisk, Westport.
The 60-year-old, a native of Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, passed away at Mayo University Hospital on Sunday from injuries received in a street incident which gardai are investigating.
A man in his 20s was released after questioning by gardai and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mourners at the Requiem Mass for the father-of-one in Louisburgh were told of Peter’s strong work ethic which sprang from being raised, one of a family of 11, in north Leitrim in the 1960s.
Michael McDermott, Peter’s oldest brother, said that through hard farm work the family were mostly self-sufficient
He explained that Peter worked as a skilled tradesman in London and New York before returning to Ireland where he met and married Lorraine (Walsh), who shared his love for the countryside and farming.
“They were married for 28 years and created a beautiful new home in Murrisk," he added.
“They have thrived in this community and their home has become a retreat for the extended McDermott and Walsh families."
Mourners heard that Peter came to know about the Murrisk area through his participation in the Gaelforce West endurance events.
Fr. Mattie Long, main celebrant of the Requiem Mass, spoke of Peter’s love for animals and the land and said he “found his little piece of heaven on earth” in Murrisk.
“Nestled between sea and hill he found home”, Fr. Long continued, “home that symbolised for him and all of you all that was good in life, all that was the result of hard work, the desire to provide what is best for his family and friends.
“He was one for hillside and mountain and sea appreciating and relishing the beauty of God’s creation in nature about him."
The main mourners at today’s ceremony were Peter’s wife, Lorraine, daughter, Croia, his brothers and sisters Christina, Michael, Bernadette, Patrick, Larry, Frances, Charlie and Jenny, and his uncle, Peter.
Christina, Bernadette, Frances and Jenny brought symbols of their brother’s life to the altar.
The symbols included a picture of Peter with his “two beautiful girls, Lorraine and Croia, whom he adored and cherished."
Bernadette (Bernie) carried a symbol of Peter’s work as mourners were told of the joy and pride he found in his construction work, the comfort he got from the land and the love he had for his livestock.
“He spent his final days picking stones in the good weather, an example of how he enjoyed any task, big or small”, the congregation heard.
Following the Mass, the remains were brought to their last resting place in Murrisk Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.