Funeral details for Sean Farrelly announced

The funeral of the Navan man who lost his life following a tragic accident in Navan just before Christmas, will take place later this week.

The body of Sean Farrelly from Silverlawns and formerly Galbolie, Bailieborough was recovered at the weekend following an extensive three-week search.

The dad-of-three (41), went missing in the early hours of Saturday, December 23rd, sparking a massive search operation that involved Meath River Rescue, Boyne River Rescue, Meath Civil Defence and hundreds of volunteers.

After 21 days, the search was stood down following the discovery of a body, later identified.

Reposing at James Fox's Funeral Home, Abbeylands, Navan C15PH6T, on Friday 19th from 4pm until 8pm, his remains will arrive to St. Mary's Church, Fair Green, Navan C15X0A3 on Saturday morning at 10.45am for 11am Funeral Mass.

This can be viewed live on http://www.navanparish.ie/livestream.

Burial afterwards in St. Finian's Cemetery, Old Athboy Road, Navan.

House Private at all times, and family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Meath River Rescue.

Mr Farrelly is survived by his wife Karen, sons Aaron and Thomas, daughter Abigail, his loving mother Noreen and father Sean, brother Keith, sister Nicole, grandparents May and Mickey, in laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends.

“Sean was a great husband, father son and brother to whom family meant everything,” said his heartbroken wife, Karen.

“He was the utmost gentleman, kind, sweet, loving and thoughtful. He loved his kids and was proud of coaching his sons, Aaron and Thomas and his daughter Abigail.

“He was a great son to Noreen and Sean and brother to Keith and Nicole.”

Sean grew up in Baileboro and played football for Baileboro Shamrocks. He was dedicated to his work as a case manager in Bank of Ireland HQ in Dublin and was a coach with Simonstown Gaels.

His family were “blown away” by the support and kindness of the people of Navan and the wider community over the last traumatic three weeks.

“We would like to thank everyone who worked so tirelessly for 21 days to bring Sean home to me,” said Karen.

“Meath River Rescue, the Gardai and all the volunteers on the river and land, those who provided tea for the volunteers, those who walked the ramparts daily. We received tremendous support from the people of Navan who took time out to find Sean and bring him home to his family. We thank everyone who took part for their support.

“I am from Kerry and Sean is from Cavan, but the people of Navan were tremendous. We would like to also thank the people who travelled from Baileboro to help in the search.

“We would like to thank everyone who called, sent messages of support and comfort and the people who fed us and the volunteers for three weeks,” she said.

Christopher Rennicks of Meath River Rescue said the discovery of Sean's body was “a massive relief” and that “they were never going to give up until he had been recovered.”

On behalf of MRR he extended his deepest condolences to his wife, Karen and family and friends and hoped that his recovery would bring some peace to them.

He also thanked all the volunteers who gave up their time and in particular to the members of Sean's GAA club, Simonstown GFC for all their support of the organisations involved in the search over the last three weeks.

In a statement on Saturday Meath Civil Defence said: “It is with great sadness and relief for the family that the search on the river Boyne has concluded with the recovery of a body by members of Meath River Rescue.

“We express our sincere condolences to Sean's wife, Karen, family and many friends at this sad and difficult time.

“We would like to thank all of our volunteers who were involved in the search over the past three weeks and all those who helped with the search and provision of food and refreshments.”