'That he died the way he did is not okay,' requiem mass of Kieran Quilligan hears
Requiem mass for murder victim Kieran Quilligan was held at the Church of the Way of the Cross, Togher, Cork on Thursday, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium.
The parents of a man who died violently and was found following a search of scrubland in Co Cork have taken tremendous comfort in finally being able to bury him with dignity, his requiem mass has heard.
Kieran Quilligan, aged 47 was reported missing in September of last year. His skeletal remains were recovered on January 29 just off the main Midleton to Whitegate Road in Co Cork.
Gardaí had carried out a planned search of the area with a cadaver dog.
The requiem mass for Mr Quilligan took place today at 3pm at the Church of the Way of the Cross in Togher in Cork city.
Celebrant Fr John Walsh emphasised the ‘precious’ nature of human life.
"We acknowledge that no one can claim for themselves the right to take the life of someone else. There are times when things are not okay and this is one of them.
"That Kieran died the way he did is not okay. His life was ended the victim of a brutal act.
"To bury your dead with dignity is a most sacred duty.
"There is today a sense that at last this horrible wait is now over. It is our prayer on this sad day that the soul of Kieran may rest now in peace.”
Fr Walsh said that parents cherish every milestone in the lives of their children and never expect to lose them prematurely.
“They remember their first steps and they remember their first words. All those special milestones along those early days.
Meanwhile, Kathleen Quilligan, the mother of the deceased said that her “superhero” of a son was always a ‘character.’
“I want to tell you what type of character he was. From his youngest of days I can always remember him thinking he was Bruce Lee before he could even walk properly. Then he went on to his karate. He loved his superheroes. He loved Tupac.
"He adored our grandkids his nieces and nephews. He idolised the children. He adored his family. He loved his god daughter. He loved all children.”
She said that her son Kieran was “just too good for this world.”
“He was full of nature. He always had a special spot (in his heart) for his sister Karen. Karen held one for him too. I just don’t know what to say. We idolised him and he idolised all of us. We are saying goodbye to a super hero.”
Offertory gifts included a two framed family pictures, a sword and a helmet. A cremation service followed at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
Mr Quilligan, who had lived in both Knocknaheeny and Togher in Cork city is survived by his parents Kathleen and Steven, his siblings Trevor, Karen, Stephen, Roy and Pamela and his extended family and friends.
His family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Cork Missing Persons Search and Recovery.
Two men have appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder of Mr Quilligan.
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