Beloved Muff man Evan Craig was celebrated with love and with heartache by his community today.
Evan, a cherished son, grandson, brother, partner, and teammate, died from cancer at the age of 24.
His too-short life was remembered with affection and humour at today’s Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church.
Parish Priest John Farren, in his homily, spoke of the energetic and fun-loving Evan who will be missed by all.
“The loss of someone we love is always sad, the loss of Evan at such a young age is a shattering and heartbreaking experience for Grace and Joe, Ciara, Orla and Cloda and all the extended family and his great friends,” said Fr Farren.
Evan’s passion for sport was nurtured early, and he went on to play soccer for Quigley’s Point, Redcastle and various Inishowen teams. In GAA, he became known for his skills and for giving his all to Naomh Padraig.
“They say it takes a community to raise a child but it always takes people to make a community. Evan has contributed a lot to building up that community in his short and eventful and action-packed life,” said Fr Farren.
Prior to the funeral Mass, the community gathered on Muff GAA pitch as the young star’s remains were carried onto the pitch of his beloved GAA ground.
The remains of 24yr old Evan Craig were brought onto the pitch at his beloved Naomh Padraig GAA grounds. (North West Newspix)
It was here that the young football star was happiest as he rose from the underage ranks to fulfil his dream and play for the club’s senior team.
Hundreds of mourners gathered around the perimeter of the pitch as club mates of Evan’s carried his coffin onto the pitch and formed a huddle around their tragic friend. A huge round of applause crackled across the field for Evan from Ballyboe, Ture.
Flags of Ireland, Celtic and Naomh Padraig all flew at half-mast during the fitting tribute.
The remains of 24 yr old Evan Craig is carried onto the pitch at his beloved Naomh Padraig GAA. (North West Newspix)
A huddle was formed around Evan’s coffin in his honour. (North West Newspix)
Mourners turned out in the colours of Naomh Padraig and Celtic in celebration of the great loves of his life. The Funeral Mass heard that when Even met his girlfriend Cloda, she became his greatest love of all.
Fr Farren described their relationship as a “great love story”.
“One person who never left his side is Cloda, she was a rock for Evan and his family.”
Evan’s life took a turn at a time of great promise. The devastating cancer diagnosis came just as he had passed his exams to become an electrician.
“Evan faced this challenge like any opponent he faced, he stood up and took it in his stride, without giving a second thought,” Fr Farren said of his illness.
Fr Farren paid tribute to Evan’s friends who showed loyalty, care, empathy and sacrifice during a difficult time.
“These young adults are special people,” said Fr Farren, “every community to which they belong are lucky to have people like that.” Support and fundraisers from the wider community, he said, “galvanised this community to an extent never seen before.”
Evan’s passions were reflected in the offertory gifts – a signed Naomh Padraig jersey, a photograph of his beloved Cloda, the electrical tools he planned to use in his next chapter of life, and a duck, in a nod to the fun and laughter he brought to his family.
Speaking to mourners, Fr Farren reminded them all that death is not the end.
“That is what our faith is about, Evan has now changed from that physical relationship with his family and friends into a relationship that is a spiritual one.”
It was a sentiment echoed in a heartfelt poem written about Evan in recent days:
“Red haired, big grin, Evan now is Heaven’s win.”
