'She had a heart of gold': Tributes paid to victim of Edenderry attack Mary Holt at funeral

The Funeral Mass for the late Mary Holt took place on Sunday afternoon in Offaly as mourners said their final goodbyes following her tragic death last weekend. 

The 60-year old was killed alongside her four-year-old grand-nephew, Tadgh Farrell after a house in Castleview Park, Edenderry was attacked with a petrol bomb on December 6.

The funeral cortege stopped at Ofalia House care home, where Mary worked, as it made its way to St Mary’s Church in Edenderry on Sunday afternoon. 

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The funeral was led by Edenderry Parish Priest Father Gregory Corcoran who opened the ceremony reflecting on Mary's passing. 

"We gather once again with heavy hearts. Mary’s passing, like Tadhg’s, has came too soon, in a way that feels unfair and deeply painful," he told mourners. 

Fr Corcoran praised the impact that Mary had on others throughout her life telling the congregation: "Today we remember Mary whose life was quietly shaped by care. She started working in the old hospital at the tender age of 15. Never one for the spotlight, but at the bedside: helping, comforting, noticing the small things."

He continued: That kind of work tells us a lot about a person. You don’t become a carer unless you have patience, compassion, and a generous heart. Day after day, year after year, Mary showed up for others when they were most in need.

"Indeed there is very few in this area who haven’t experienced the love, the care and attention of the staff of Ofalia House, through a loved one or family member."

The Parish Priest concluded: "Mary’s death leaves an empty place: in her family, among her friends, in Ofalia House, and in the lives of those that she cared for.  Grief today may feel mixed with shock, anger, confusion, and deep sadness. We grieve because Mary mattered."

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Mary's niece Tiffany also paid tribute to her aunt's life highlighting her caring nature telling those in attendance: "Mary had a heart of gold, she cared for everyone and had a beautiful life on this earth surrounded by loved ones."

Tiffany recollected her early memories of Mary growing up before mentioning: "She was happy with the small things in life, a cup of tea and a chat."

Tiffany expressed that Mary "adored her work colleagues and residents in the Ofalia House" and those colleagues paid tribute to her in a letter which Tiffany read describing Mary as "a gentle soul whose kindness and compassion touched every resident."

Fr Corcoran offered prayers to all those who lost their lives this weekend especially those killed in the fatal car collisions in Tipperary as well as the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney on Sunday morning. 

Mary was laid to rest in the at St. Mary's cemetery following the funeral ceremony. May she rest in peace.