The Daughter of a Clare couple whose bodies were discovered at their home last week has told their funeral service that she would give anything to have another day together as a family.
The lives of Claire and Joe Collins were celebrated today in front of a capacity crowd at St.Brigid’s Church Corofin.
Ahead of the mass, the congregation was thanked by the Parish Priest for their strong showing and heartfelt support to the Collins family at this difficult time.
Before telling the crowd that packed into St.Brigid’s Church Corofin of the great efforts Clare and Joe’s family had put into preparing today’s liturgy.
A number of gifts were brought to the altar during the procession including a book to symbolise the couple’s shared loved of reading, a helmet to represent Joe’s passion for cycling, as a valued member of the Burren Cycling club.
A family photo with daughters Sara and Tara was also presnted as well as a photo of their beloved dog Buddy, who was remarked as the best walked dog in Kilnaboy.
Finally an item of clothing was brought to the altar; a hat belonging to Rian, Clare and Joe’s cherished grandson.
Speaking on the events of the past week, Chief Celebrant and Parish Priest of Kilnaboy, Rath and Corofin, Fr Des Hillery said a peaceful river had cascaded into turbelence and swirled directionless, but its journey was not yet at an end.
The bodies of the couple were discovered at their rural bungalow near the Burren National Park shortly after 2:30pm last Thursday after the alarm was raised by a neighbour.
Joe Collin’s brother and Claire’s brother in law, Brian praised the emergency services and locals for their efforts over the past few days and told the gathering that the couple will always be remembered as beloved members of the community.
Joe and Claire Collins are survived by their adult daughters Sara and Tara and Sara’s baby son Rian.
Sara Collins told the congregation that they will always love their parents and would do anything to spend another happy day together as a family.
May they rest in peace.
You can listen to the full report below.
