Report and pics by John ‘Curly’ McIlwaine

Six year old Joseph Heggarty was laid to rest today after Requim mass in St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Church Ballycastle. Joe, who died in a tragic accident on Friday last was a fanatical fan of Carey Faughs Hurling club and was one of the team mascots who led the team out for their Intermediate Hurling Championship win over Glenarm just over a week ago.

Joe was loved by all who knew him and as Fr Con Boyle said during his homily Joe was known for his boundless enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and fearlessness”.

The green of the famous Carey Faughs and the purple and gold of their feeder juvenile club Naomh Padraig, (which features Carey and their neighbouring clubs Armoy and Cushendun) were  prominent among the mourners and the three clubs hurlers formed a guard of honour as Joe’s body was carried from the church for burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Martin Dempsey, a cousin of Joe’s mum Andrea, delivered a moving homily before the end of the service speaking fondly about his little cousin and about how they all loved him deeply.

“Andrea and Michael, and the Hegarty and McIlroy families have asked me to thank all of you for coming to this funeral mass this afternoon, and for all of the prayers, love, care and support over the recent days.

Joe Hegarty was a force of nature. Five minutes after you’d met Joe, you knew him – and he knew you. He was relentlessly enthusiastic and when you made Joe laugh, he made everyone else laugh for you.

He was 6 years old but he was an oversized member of every team and tribe that he belonged to – whether that was the Hegarty and McIlroy families, or his beloved Carey Faughs.

He was the heartbeat of so many get-togethers. He asked a question or two…..or three. His energy and joy were infectious and he had that special personality that could make a quiet room loud, or make a loud room quiet.

He was a wonderful son to Andrea and Michael – he even let them live in his house. He was a rascal and made his fair share of fun. Joe was fortunate to have two wonderful, loving parents and they were repaid with a son who adored them in return.  He loved so much and he was so much loved.

He was a perfect brother and had a perfect sister. Katie and Joe were a double act – and that will never change because their special relationship is part of who Katie is and she will carry Joe forever within her.

He was a beautiful grand-son, nephew, cousin and friend. We all loved being with him and as we cope with our sadness, it’s our duty to share the funny memories we had with Joe. For my part, my mum is an amputee and my favourite conversation with Joe was about how she lost her legs in a shark attack at the black rock on Ballycastle beach. Joe’s response makes me smile even in a moment like this. You can ask me about it outside – his answer is maybe not appropriate for inside the church.

It was a heartbreaking honour to be asked to stand here this afternoon and speak for Joseph Hegarty on a day like today. None of this is fair, and grief feels insurmountable right now.

But, I will try my best to speak for Joe.

Joe lived with boundless enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and fearlessness. He was a little hero.

My reflection for us all is this. When we face moments of grief, sadness or doubt next week, next month or next year, think of Joe:

• If Joe didn’t know, he always asked the question. We should all do that.
• Joe never implied that he loved you. He told you, and he showed you. We should all do that.
• Joe never failed at anything – he tried his best and if it didn’t work out, he just tried harder. We should all do that.
• When Joe cried, he sought comfort with the people he loved the most, and they wiped his tears, and he went back to whatever he was doing with even greater energy and enthusiasm. Somehow, we need to find a way to do that too.

We all need to be a little bit more Joe Hegarty.

“Heaven has one more angel today, and he’s carrying a hurling stick.”