The Irish teenager who died in a work accident in Australia was remembered as a “naughty” man with a heart of gold who lived for his fiancee and young son.

A “huge” crowd gathered today at St Cartha Church in Kilcar, south Donegal, to bid a fond farewell to 35-year-old Barry Breslin.

Barry, who moved to Australia in 2011 with his fiancée Melissa Taheny and their 3-year-old son Tommy and built a life for himself, was killed while working outside Perth last October 3.

Indeed, the church’s pastor, Father Willie Peoples, revealed how the couple plans to marry next year.

Father Peoples told how Barry, affectionately known as ‘Duke’, was “naughty” growing up and was allowed to say he loved cars and football.

“Barry seemed like a very nice person to me. It was taken too early. He received his education in technology at Carrick Vocational School. You know when you get young people together there’s always a little touch of being a naughty person and he definitely had a lot of that and I was allowed to say that.

He added that Barry played underage football at Kilcar and then went to Australia where he planned to live his life in America.

To make a living, he loved driving diggers, cars and “everything young men love in life.”

“He didn’t miss a thing. He was a typical guy, with a heart of gold. He was also a person who enjoyed the fun aspects of life.”

But everything changed when he met the love of his life, Melissa from Waterford.

“He met a young lady from Waterford and she tamed him. I like this word. You can almost imagine someone walking in. There is a tiger in the cage and your task is to silence him. “Anybody who has managed to calm down, God rest them, people like Barry, it’s been a tremendous success and I’ve taken extra permission to say that.”

Barry added that he has no doubt that Melissa and son Tommy will make a good life together in Australia.

“Their young son, Tommy, arrived on the scene. Melissa and Barry planned to marry next year and consummate the loving relationship.

“And it didn’t work out that way and it happened to a lot of people, that malaise came onto the scene, that dark cloud that none of us wanted to face, and it happened and it will happen to people again and again and again. It happens to people from all walks of life.

“It’s interesting that at the same time as Barry passed away, young singer Liam Payne also died; The brevity of life is just a tight rope that can break at any moment.

“That’s why we need God. If we love God in any way or form, we believe in him, and if we love God just a little bit, it will take away a little part of the darkness and keep the darkness from Barry’s family, I pray from my heart that he will rise from his friends and from Melissa, the little boy who doesn’t know anything about his father, but he will be told many things, over and over again, and one day that darkness will come to light because there will be understanding.”

Gifts brought to the altar included a framed family photo, a GAA jersey and a toy digger.

A photo of Barry in a black suit and white shirt stood proudly on his casket.

Among those mourning the loss of the popular young man were his parents Mary and Seamus, brothers Owen and Shane (Gerard), grandmother Mary Ann (Byrne), aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and many friends and neighbors. ”

A personal tribute to brothers Owen and Shane at the end of the funeral service recalled Barry’s early years growing up in Donegal.

“It’s hard to find the right words to describe someone who means so much to so many people. Barry was not only our brother, but also our friend and someone we could always count on.

“From the earliest days of our childhood, Barry was full of life. He was always someone who could light up any room he entered.

“His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He was always there for others, helping, giving advice or mentoring at work. Barry was always someone you could trust.”

But her friend added that her pride and joy was her son Tommy.

“Becoming a father was his greatest achievement and he poured his heart out to be the best father he could be. Barry built a beautiful and full life with Melissa in Australia. He didn’t hesitate to let everyone know that Melissa was the love of his life. “Barry adored Melissa and together they built a home filled with love, laughter and shared dreams.”

He added that there were two other special women in Barry’s life that he cared about very much, his mother, Mary, and his grandmother, Mary Ann.

“Barry was selfless, hard-working and always put his family first. He took the time to come home from Australia to help his father build a shed. He was such a person. “The laughter and chirps they shared during those weeks are memories my father will cherish forever.”

His friend added that family means everything to Barry and he values ​​them all.

“He loved us all deeply and was fiercely protective of everyone he cared about. As we feel the weight of his absence today, I know Barry would want us to remember the good times, the laughter, and the love.

“His spirit lives on in the memories we have and the lessons he taught us about kindness, loyalty and living life to the fullest. Although he is no longer with us in person, his presence will always be felt in the way we treat others, the way we laugh, and the way we face life’s challenges with great strength.

“Barry will be with us every step of the way. Barry, you will always be loved, missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Duke.”

Tragic Barry Breslin remembered as mischievous, loving dad with a heart of gold Date last modified: October 25, 2024 with Staff Writer