In a scene of overwhelming sorrow and grief, the community of Limerick came together to bid a final farewell to the five young men who tragically lost their lives in the Shannon boating accident last Sunday. The solemn occasion marked the culmination of a series of heartbreaking events that had left the city in a state of shock and mourning.

Five coffins, side by side, stood as a stark and sombre reminder of the lives that had been cut short in the prime of their youth. The vibrant promise that once radiated from these young souls was extinguished in an instant, leaving a void that cannot be filled. Friends, family, and members of the community gathered to pay their respects, united in their shared sense of loss.

As the procession made its way to Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, the weight of the tragedy hung heavy in the air. Tears flowed freely, and the sobs of grief were interspersed with moments of silence, as those in attendance grappled with the magnitude of the loss. The coffins, each holding a cherished son, brother, and friend, bore witness to the fragility of life and the cruel randomness of fate.

Amidst the sorrow, there was also a sense of unity and solidarity. The tragedy had drawn people together in a common bond of compassion and empathy. Strangers comforted one another, and the pain of each individual was shared by the collective heart of the community. It was a reminder that in times of adversity, human connection and support can provide solace and strength.

As the five coffins were lowered into their final resting places, a profound sense of finality settled over the scene. The lives that were lost will forever remain in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved them. The city of Limerick will carry the weight of this tragedy, as it strives to find meaning and understanding in the face of such profound loss.

The funeral served as a stark reminder to seize every moment and to cherish the bonds that connect us. In the midst of sorrow, there was also a call to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life, to honour the memory of those who have departed, and to hold onto the love that remains.

Manchester Courier – Thursday 19 April 1906