'He was literally plucked from us': Offaly man killed in horror road crash laid to rest

The Funeral Mass of Stephen Mooney, who was killed in a road crash last month, has taken place in his home parish of Edenderry, County Offaly. 

Stephen tragically lost his life in an early-morning incident on August 27. Garda and Emergency services attended the scene of the collision, involving a crane and two vans, on the R401 in Drumcooly, near Edenderry at around 6:15am. The 43-year was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stephen is sadly missed by his loving family, parents Annie and William, Partner Theresa, brothers John, Jason, William Jnr, Martin and Dominic, sisters in-law Louise and Natalie, stepsons Martin and Dean, godsons Scott and Paul, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Mourners gathered this Monday afternoon to bid their final farewell to Stephen as his Funeral Mass took place at St. Mary's Church, Edenderry.

The ceremony began with the an offertory of gifts by family and friends to the altar which were synonymous with Stephen's loves, interests and personality.

This included a family photo which represented Stephen's love of his parents and family, a sod of turf and some kindling which represented Stephen's love of the bog, a bike helmet which belonged to Stephen, a cap from an AC/DC concert which represented his love for the band and a motorbike figurine which represented Stephen's love of bikes and his biker friends.

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Edenderry's Deacon Paul Wyer reflected on Stephen's passing saying: "It's a very sad and sorrowful time when somebody we love dies, the pain and sadness is so deep that even great poets struggle to put it into words, when that departure from this life is too early, too sudden, it is even more difficult to understand, comprehend and accept. No one can bring Stephen back, he's lost from this world but he's not lost to us and not lost to God."

Stephen's uncle Thomas Mooney gave a moving Eulogy during the Mass. He began by saying: "I never thought I'd find myself in this position having to say a few words about my nephew, he wasn't just my nephew but a very good friend". 

Thomas described the feeling when the family received the dreadful news of Stephen's death on Wednesday morning. "Shock, disbelief, denial, it didn't feel real but unfortunately it was."

He told mourners that Stephen "got up as normal on Wednesday morning just like any other day, said goodbye to Theresa and told her he loved her and that he'd see her later". 

He continued: "Not long after that he was literally plucked from us all in one split second, the grief we all felt has been shared by so many which is evident by the people who have shown up over the last few days and the condolences on RIP.ie which has brought a lot of comfort to his parents Willie and Annie and all the family. 

Thomas said the same comments came up about his nephew consistently which included being a hard worker, a true gentleman and most of all a great friend.

"He wasn't afraid of work and never shied away from it, he worked hard for what he wanted, that work helped him get his trucks, vans and most importantly to him, his motorbikes." 

Thomas talked about his solid fuel business where Stephen excelled: "He spent his summers with Theresa in the bog footing turf and drawing it home, cutting his logs and bagging it for everyone."

Stephen, he told mourners, was a tremendous family man. "He loved his family until the ends of the earth, he was happiest when he was with Theresa and then his bikes. Thomas touched on his close connection with the biking community stating "He was a member of numerous bike clubs which was another family he cared very deeply about. This was evident with the bikers who formed a lovely guard of honour today, he would have been immensely proud of that." 

In his eulogy, Thomas spoke of Stephen's recent purchase of a Harley Davidson motorbike. "He worked hard, played hard and enjoyed life. He also bought a campervan for himself and Theresa so they could get away on weekends."

Thomas concluded by saying Stephen "left an incredible legacy which is the memories you all have of him, he touched so many people's hearts and those memories will live on forever with you". 

Deacon Paul Wyer concluded the Funeral Mass saying: "Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of Stephen, may our farewell express our affection for him, may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope and one day we should joyfully meet him again". 

Stephen's Funeral was followed by burial in St. Mary's cemetery. 

May he Rest in Peace.