Bernard's smiles and joy remembered at his funeral mass

Nine year old Bernard Power Junior was remembered as a happy child, full of smiles and joy and with a good heart, at his funeral in St Mary's Church in Navan this morning (Thursday).

"Bernard would help anyone when he could help them, bringing his love and joy to school and everyone in his life," Fr Noel Weir told the congregation.

Bernard who lived in Claremont Estate, died peacefully in Temple St Hospital last Friday after a short and sudden illness.

There were moving scenes at St Mary's Church, which was packed for the funeral mass. Many in the congregation wore Manchester United jerseys in honour of Bernard Junior's great love for the team.

Among the symbols of Bernard's life that were brought to the altar were Parkvilla medals, trophies and shields Bernard won with his team, his football and football boots and a Manchester United jersey, as well as his phone and game console.

Fr Noel Weir told mourners that the memories Bernard has left behind for his family, relatives, friends, schoolfriends and football friends of who he was in his life "cannot ever fade".

Fr Weir extended his sympathy to Bernard's parents, Bernard and Chloe, sisters, Isabella, Arianna, Sophia and Ruby, grandparents, Bernard, Suzanne, Aishling and Sonny, his aunts, uncles and cousins, his school principal Enda Lydon, teachers, staff and schoolfriends and Parkvilla team mates .

Fr Weir said Bernard was born in 2015 and went to Scoil Naoimh Eoin, where he was in 3rd class.

"Bernard loved schools and his friends, and was a very mannerly boy. He was very good to his friends and his sisters at school, helping anyone when he could help them, bringing his love and joy to school and everyone in his life.

"He played for Parkvilla and was a talented football player. He brought energy and joy to the matches he played with his team mates. He won trophies, shields and medals with his team mates.

"He will be especially remembered with his football in his hand. He followed Man Utd and played football games on his Playstation at home. Football was very much part of Bernard's young life as he grew.

"He was a very happy child, full of smiles and joy and was described as having good heart. He loved his family, relatives and friends and would share with his family relatives and friends when he could.

"This is what God asks all of us to do, to be joyful and loving, sharing and caring like Bernard.

"Bernard junior was in his short life, a young person who really brought the love and peace and joy of God to his family, relatives and friends."

Bernard was buried afterwards in St Finian’s Cemetery, Navan.