'There was a lot of silent sitting last night': Limerick priest visits Faulkner family after second tragedy

CANON Dónal McNamara and Fr Pat Hogan both stood on the altar in St Munchin’s Church at Friday’s emotional funeral Mass for Scarlett Faulkner.

In the days before and after her death following an assault in Birdhill last month, both men tried to bring some solace to the Limerick family at the terrible time. Now the Faulkners have been plunged further into grief after older brother Jason (pictured below), aged 34, passed away on Sunday.

Canon McNamara said it was with great sadness and heartbreak that he heard on Sunday of the untimely passing of Jason Faulkner, brother of Scarlett, whose funeral he officiated at on Friday. 

“My heart goes out to Jason’s parents and siblings. I ask, how can any human being be asked to bear such a cross and particularly parents and siblings? 

“You know, there are moments in life when words seem completely inadequate and this is one such moment,” said Canon McNamara.

READ NEXT: 'Utterly destroyed': Further heartbreak for Faulkner family as Scarlett's beloved brother passes away

The long-serving priest said: “As a community, we come wanting to console, wanting to support, wanting somehow to make sense of what has happened and yet we know we cannot.

“All we can do now is, to stay close, be present, walk with them, carry in whatever small way we can the weight that is theirs. Because in doing that, we become a sign of God's presence. May Jason rest in peace,” said Canon McNamara.

Fr Hogan, of Moyross parish and chaplain to the Traveller community, spent time with the Faulkner family in Longpavement on the northside of the city on Sunday night.

“We prayed. There are no words but there was a lot of silent sitting last night. They asked for prayers and they are obviously people of great faith but that doesn't make it any easier,” said Fr Hogan.

The priest said it is a time for a silent presence with the Faulkners but conscious that this is a family coming to terms with a double tragedy in one week.

“The mother and father (Mary and Banny) were there last night. It’s the second child (they’ve lost) in one week.

“When we were sitting around last night, there were other people there who have had similar amount of losses in their lives. I'm very conscious that the amount of losses in Traveller communities is extraordinary and how they carry that pain silently and with great dignity,” said Fr Hogan.

The priest said he knew both Jason and Scarlett (pictured below) for many years.

“I met them in lots of different locations and they were always very pleasant so for both of them to die… They always looked for prayers and had great faith,” said Fr Hogan.

May Scarlett and Jason rest in peace.