Christine Buckley's Son Tells Funeral Mass: "She Was My Best Friend"

Irish Mirror
March 13, 2014

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/christine-buckley-funeral-son-conor-3237450

Christine Buckley

Christine Buckley’s son choked back tears as he described his mother as “my best friend, my hero, my first love” at her funeral yesterday.

Hundreds packed into the Church of St Therese in Mount Merrion, South Dublin, to say farewell to the brave woman who spoke out about the institutional abuse she suffered.

Mourners heard how the 67-year-old played a pivotal role in exposing the horror endured by thousands of children across the country at the hands of religious orders.

And her son Conor took to the altar to tell the world about his courageous mother who battled every day of her life.

Detailing how special a woman she was, he said Christine will leave a lasting impression on him for the rest of his life.

Conor told the congregation: “She was my best friend, my hero, my first love.

“Mum was so strong. She made everyone laugh.

“She was a true warrior and someone the world won’t forget.

“Mum had an infectious personality and inspired everyone she met.

“Even in her last few days she was making people laugh and smile. That’s just the way mum was.

“She lived for people. And everyone who met her came out smiling, happier than when they first met.” Among the mourners was President Michael D Higgins and Health Minister James Reilly while the Taoiseach was represented by his aide de camp.

Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin also played a part in the ceremony.

Dozens of people had to be accommodated outside the church with speakers set up for people unable to find a seat. After battling cancer Christine finally succumbed to the disease on Tuesday. Tributes poured in from around the world when the news broke of her passing.

And in a heartfelt tribute, Fr Tony Coote hailed her as the woman who inspired change across the country.

In his sermon the priest added Christine’s voice had “won freedom and vindication, opening doors for many others who had been abused, those who had been voiceless”.

Fr Coote praised her bravery in coming out and exposing the church at a time when its power was not challenged.

He described how she became a voice for those too afraid to stand up and detail the abuse they suffered.

Fr Coote told the congregation: “Christine had represented the power of one against so many.

“We know from the terrible story of the horror of abuse of children, people did tell their story but no one believed.

“Perhaps belief is Christine’s greatest legacy.”

He said she had “never tarred anyone with the same brush”.

Fr Coote added: “Where there was goodness and kindness she acknowledged it but where there was untruth and darkness she exposed it.”

After the service, Christine was buried at Shanganagh cemetery in Shankill.

She is survived by her husband Donal, two sons Conor and Darragh and daughter Cliona.