The heart-wrenching funeral of popular Letterkenny man Damien Blake has heard how he fought his illness without complaining once about his condition.
The 41-year-old passed away on Monday night last at the Donegal Hospice.
The Church of Mary Immaculate in Stranorlar was filled to capacity with family, friends and colleagues all wanting to pay their final respects to Damien.
And for those who knew Damien, respect was high on his list of many of the wonderful virtues he had in abundance. He gave respect and he got respect.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Kieran McAteer PP, Stranorlar, and concelebrated by Fr Lorcan Sharkey, Fr Willie McMenamin and Damien’s former teachers in St Eunan’s College, Fr Paddy Dunne and Fr Michael Carney. The funeral was also attended by Cmdt Claire Mortimer, Aide-de-camp for Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.
Referencing Damien’s illness, Fr McAteer said that even ‘the greatest man to walk this earth’ had a cross to carry.
“There are many different types of cross,” he explained.
“Today we bring for burial Damien Blake, a man who knew all about carrying a cross – a particularly heavy one,” Fr McAteer said.
“‘Why?’, you could ask, but Damien never complained and he wanted to live. He loved life, and his wife Mary and son Riain were his pride and joy. But, he had his bags packed and arrangements made for today.”
Fr McAteer said Damien was always a Letterkenny man at heart and the people of the town came out in their droves as his hearse passed through on Tuesday.
The youngest ever Mayor of Letterkenny, he wanted to use his gifts to serve them.
“He was also a wizard in tech and Google was glad to get him. But, his two most important days were when he met Mary Gallagher and when Riain was born. Every day with them was precious, but it was all taken from him.”
Addressing Damien’s wife Mary (nee Gallagher) from the altar, Fr McAteer said that it was 14 years ago that they took one another in the same church ‘for better or worse and in sickness and in health’.
“You never took a step back and your time together was pure quality. Damien was a man who loved life and his hometown, but above all, he loved you. You’re brokenhearted but you’re proud and have no regrets. Your last days were spent together in Donegal Hospice and at 9:42 pm on Monday night, it was all over.
“But, it’s not all over. Mourn his passing, but give thanks for the 41 years lived to the full. You and your family are brokenhearted, but grateful. Damien is a part of you and built into your lives forever.”
A number of children including the couple’s son Riain brought symbols of Damien’s life to the altar.
They included a Letterkenny sign from his home office; a St Eunan’s basketball jersey and CrossFit-shirt; a camera with which he captured some precious family moments; a MacBook computer (never a PC!) and his ‘Noogler’ hat which he received as a new member of the Google team; his MBA parchment and his family photo. Lastly, Ríain brought teddies to the altar, which were named Pen and Pencil. A Father’s Day gift for the best Daddy in the world.
His close friend Bernard McCluskey told mourners how he had first met in St Eunan’s College, their love of computers drawing them together after they were first introduced.
Bernard choked back tears and gathered himself as he recalled some hilarious events that only true friends can sometimes find funny.
A trip to Japan during Damien’s term as Letterkenny’s first citizen hatched after a night out in Letterkenny’s Golden Grill Nightclub was one such occasion.
But despite his academic, political and professional achievements, what was most impressive about Damien was his friendship.
“Above all, he valued people and would do anything for them,” he said.
Damien was always one step ahead, recalled Bernard.
Although his words were both touching and eloquent, he left the last word to Damien’s hero Bruce Springsteen when he quoted a verse from The Boss’ classic ‘Terry’s Song.’
“Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mould.”
It was fitting then that The Boss’ ‘I’ll see You in My Dreams’ rang out as Damien’s remains left the church before being brought to Drumboe Cemetery where he was laid to rest.
A loving husband to wife Mary, a doting dad to Riain, he was also a treasured son to mother and father Denise and Laurence, a brother and a trusted friend to so many.
There will be a huge void left in the lives of so many, not least of all in the lives of his family, following Damien’s passing.
But to have known him brought a richness that will forever far outweigh his loss as painful as that may seem now.
Rest easy, Damien. We’ll see you in our dreams…