The community of Lecarrow remains in the throes of grief following the deaths of siblings, Dessie Byrne and Muriel Eriksson, in a tragic drowning incident in Ballybunion, County Kerry, on Thursday last.
A joint funeral service took place in St John’s Church, Lecarrow, on Tuesday afternoon, as mourners gathered to reflect upon the lives of the siblings, those present amongst the congregation hearing that Dessie was a fantastic friend, partner, father figure and tradesman, while Muriel was described as a most loving and caring person.
Dessie (50 ) and Muriel (62 ) were both parents, and their deaths have shocked and devastated their relatives and many friends in Athlone and the South Roscommon communities.
The siblings got into difficulty in the water at Ballybunion beach in Kerry at approximately 6pm on Thursday evening and tragically rescue services’ efforts to save their lives were unsuccessful.
Originally from Baylough, Desmond (Dessie ) Byrne lived at Carrigean Mór, Lecarrow, while Muriel Eriksson (née Byrne ) had been living in Sweden.
Photos, a vintage car and a cycling jersey were among the gifts brought to the altar during the funeral service.
Fr Ray Milton, the chief celebrant, noted the palpable shock and disbelief which encompassed the local community when news broke of the untimely deaths of the siblings.
He described how a family holiday had turned into a nightmare and told the family that it was one of the most difficult things they could ever face in life.
Both Dessie and Muriel were predeceased by their beloved parents Una and Dessie, and are survived by brothers Kenny, Donal, Justin and Colm.
Dessie is sadly missed by his heartbroken partner Paulette, sons Dean and Josh, Paulette’s daughter Regina and her sons Blake and Jace, his brothers, brother-in-law Kris (Sweden ), sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.
Muriel is sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Kris, son John, daughter-in-law My, grandson Liam, brothers, sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, Dessie’s partner Paulette, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.
