by Paddy McIlwaine
All Saints GAC, the greater parish community in Ballymena, Glenariffe and much further afield bade a final farewell today, 29th August to Orlaith O’Kane. Following Requiem Mass in All Saints Parish Church Orlaith was laid to rest in St. Patrick’s Church Crebilly cemetry. Celebrant at her funeral mass, Fr. Damien McCaughan paid a glowing tribute to Orlaith, describing her as both beautiful and beautiful within and briefly highlighting her all too brief life.
Orlaith married Michael (Mickey) O’Kane back in 2005 and I had the honour of being photographer at their wedding, having known Mickey for most of his young life through our association with All Saints GAC. I was immediately impressed by Orlaith when I met her and my first thoughts were of how much the two seemed to have in common. They were both humble, friendly and always welcoming and both extremely talented.
Orlaith had a distinguished Camogie career with Oisins, Glenariffe and later with Cushendall and represented Antrim with distinction. Mickey had a long career with All Saints and was goalkeeper on the side that defeated Moneyglass in the 2008 Intermediate Football Championship final at Casement Park so when they married and set up home in Ballymena in 2005 it was almost inevitable that Orlaith would become involved with the club.
She could often be seen taking part in Camogie coaching sessions at Slemish Park with her daughters Meabh and Anna amongst the many youngsters benefiting from her coaching talents. As her coffin was carried out of a busting at the seams, All Saints Parish Church, youngsters, dressed in All Saints GAC colours formed a guard of honour.
As I reflected on what was happening my thoughts drifted back to an article I had read in the Irish News the day before by that excellent sport’s journalist, Cathair O’Kane. Cathair had interviewed a number of people including Tyrone pair Kevin Hughes and Philip Jordan and Derry’s Danny Quinn who had all experienced tragedy and how it had influenced their respective careers and success’s.
In a moving article he reflected on the importance of the GAA Community around them during those difficult times. He concluded by saying ‘That’s what the GAA is. It’s bigger than any of us, but it is us. Gaelic games in their simplest form are just a game. Just 30 people looking a bit of sport. Sometimes to keep us out of the pyramid of potholes that dominate the ground beneath our feet now, it’s become very easy to miss your step in life’
Orlaith O’Kane nee Graham certainly didn’t miss her step in an all too short life, always reaching out to others in their time of need and as I followed her coffin out of All Saints my hope was that Mickey, Meabh and Anna, her father Brendan, mother Geraldine and three sisters Áine, Eilís and Oonagh, plus the wider family circle, would take comfort from the support they have received in the past days.
Orlaith may your gentle soul rest in peace.
Orlaith’s passing is so sad. I am at a lost to say the say the right words . I pray for your family Orlaith that they get the strength to cope and manage in the days ahead . RIP Orlaith.