Killarney united in grief for much loved friend ‘who has left a void that can’t be filled’

The town of Killarney has been plunged into grief following the shock passing of Caoimhín ‘Shaq' O'Donoghue last week. His family have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of tributes that have flowed in for the well-known and much-loved Killarney man whose friends from far and wide, joined together to accompany him on his final journey this week.

Liverpool anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was played as ‘Shaq’ was carried from the church and led to his final resting place by motorbike cavalcade as the streets were lined with a special guard of honour by Dr Crokes GAA Club and St Paul’s Basketball Club – he was player, coach and a staunch supporter of both Killarney clubs.

Shaq (49) from Ardshanavooley in Killarney and Milltown passed away following a short illness last Thursday morning, April 9, after taking a ‘sudden turn’, his funeral Mass heard.

He had been ill and had just been diagnosed with cancer which was understood to be treatable. “On that very same day he got a bad turn and could not fight it” Parish Priest Fr Kieran O’Brien told the congregation.

Fr O’Brien, who led the Mass was accompanied by several priests, Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne and Bishop Emeritus Bill Murphy, as the town gathered to say goodbye.

"He was well-liked and respected and he left a mark and a void that can’t be filled,” said Fr O’Brien as he paid tribute to the Killarney man.

He said he was christened Caoimhín but was known as ‘Shaq’ after basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and it was a name he ‘revelled’ in. It was also apt given his huge involvement in St Paul’s Basketball Club as a player and where he helped bring on many the young basketballer.

Also a die-hard Dr Crokes fan, where he too played and was later a coach, helping young people reach their potential.

"He was great with young people in sport or in their lives. All were assured with Caomhín and always safe in his company,” said Fr O’Brien. This too was evident in his role as a bouncer in Killarney for many years where he ensured that everyone got home safely and also in his role in The Killarney Park Hotel where he was loved by guests.

"He was everyone’s friend and he had time for everyone,” Fr O’Brien continued, adding that Shaq was taken all too soon.

"On Thursday he finished the race, the only thing was it was before his time. He would have had so much more to live for.”

Symbols of Shaq’s life were brought to the altar, including the jerseys of Dr Crokes and St Paul’s, as well as a Liverpool scarf, a family photo, his phone and a photo of Ross Castle – his favourite place in Killarney.

His brother Cormac told the congregation how the last week had been ‘surreal’. He said the family experienced every emotion and the family went from ‘hope to hopelessness’ and from ‘joy to sadness’. He said the family wanted to thank so many people but especially the staff in intensive care who made valiant efforts to keep Shaq alive on Wednesday and Thursday. "They did everything they could,” he said.

He added that the family has been ‘overwhelmed’ and ‘blown away’ by the outpouring of love from the community.

"There is a saying that there are friends and there is family and then friends become family – that was very true of Caoimhín,” he continued.

He spoke of his brother’s love of sport and how they travelled around the country playing and coaching, days he took for granted but are now ‘treasured memories’.

And on a lighter note Cormac revealed how Shaq was selected to play underage with Killarney Basketball Club and informed the family he would get fit. “Each morning my mother took to asking him was he going for a run but to no avail. One day Shaq decided to do so, but after 15 minutes I became concerned, so I took to my bike and found him sauntering along eating Taytos and a Choc-ice ‘to get his energy up!’”

Son of Margaret and the late Timmie, Caoimhín ‘Shaq’ O’Donoghue will be sadly missed and deeply mourned by his mother, sister Sheena, brothers Shane, Cormac and Timothy, sisters-in-law Geraldine, Siobhan and Nicola, his nephews Timothy and Blake, nieces Seodhna, Béibhinn and Muireann, aunts Tess Hickey and Eileen Miller, godchild Sebastian, relatives, neighbours, his work colleagues in Killarney Park Hotel and a wide circle of friends.

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