W/E 14th May 2017

Thursday last, was the day of Joanna’s funeral.  So hard to comprehend.   Early morning brought bright sunshine, which seemed appropriate.  For Joanna always radiated warmth, brightness and giving, to all of us who were lucky enough to have known her.  Her gentle touch, generosity, and selflessness, made her truly unique. She had achieved so much during her short life.  We were immensely proud of her, as a team-mate and a friend.  At the Church in Annaduff, young and old from far and near, gathered to bid her a last farewell.   A cold easterly breeze blew as the Guards of Honour assembled. Their sense of loss, their confusion, their love, was palpable. In the Church, Fr. Wall spoke eloquently of the importance of finding Peace.  The music softened our pain. Ciara spoke movingly, and so bravely, about her cousin and friend.  Her message is so important.  Daniel broke our hearts when he read out Joannas treasured poem.  Joanna  was laid to rest, beside the National School playground, where she spent her formative years.  On Thursday night, the sun set, as it always does. The moon appeared, and was soon joined by a single bright star.  Then, thousands of stars emerged. Joannes star will always shine brightly, amongst us.  We will never forget her.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.