Chef who died nine days after dad was 'so happy' to see parents one last time, funeral told

The funeral of a chef who died just nine days after his father passed away has heard that he was “so happy” to have seen his parents together one last time before the double tragedy befell his family.

John Kelly of Ballybrit, Galway died last Sunday following a long illness. His father, also John, died just nine days previous, on March 15, at Mayo University Hospital.

During a highly emotional eulogy, John’s brother, Stephen, recalled the weeks leading up to the double tragedy and said: “Dear Lord Jesus, son of the living God, please help my family get through this difficult time.”

READ MORE: 'We loved you and we will miss you' - community mourns tragic loss of mum and daughters killed in Mayo crash

He said John had been able to make the journey from Galway Hospice to Ballina District Hospital, where both of his parents were convalescing at the time, to see them one last time four weeks ago.

“His doctor had prepared a medical pack for the journey and had contacted their sister hospice, the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar, should John have any difficulty or require respite should the pain become too much,” he recalled.

“That was the last time John saw mum and dad together.

“On our journey back to Galway, he was so happy to have met with them and told me that, though his time with them was short, that it had been so relaxing to be there together with them.

“Sadly, as you know, Dad passed away on the 15th of March, and John never got to see Dad again, but I’m sure the two of them are smiling down on all of us and saying prayers to protect and look after mum and Fergus and the rest of us,” he added.

Stephen said his mother and brother, Fergus, had managed to see John one last time, less than 18 hours before he passed away, and added that this brought them solace.

He was with John “when he finally left us” last Sunday, holding a “little dog” in his right hand in his final hours.

“John passed away peacefully… secure in the knowledge that he had received the Last Rites, that family and friends had met with him, and that doctors, nurses and carers were always there with him,” said Stephen.

He told the congregation at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Castlebar, Co Mayo that he and another brother, David, had gained access to John’s home in Galway on Monday and had taken some personal effects.

“One was a memorial card for our Aunt Nora, who passed away with cancer in August 2020, and the other was a framed photo of the two of them together in happier times.

“Today, John is united with his loving Aunt Nora in Heaven, looking down on us all,” he said.

John, who qualified as a chef at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway and worked in the hospitality industry, is survived by his mother Mary, brothers Stephen, David and Fergus, sister-in-law Chika, and their extended family.

He was laid to rest on Thursday afternoon with his father in the New Cemetery in Castlebar, close to his family home.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.