Kilmaine bids a final farewell to 'charismatic' Brian Mullin

“He was our favourite brother, our favourite son, our favourite nephew, our favourite cousin, our favourite friend. He was our favourite everything."

So declared Sean Mullin, younger brother of Brian Mullin in an emotional eulogy at Brian’s Requiem Mass in Kilmaine today.

Brian (32) died in a road accident in Co. Limerick on Sunday evening. The accident also claimed the life of Sharon Ryan, Carras, Hollymount, who was a passenger in his car.

St. Patrick’s Church, Kilmaine, was packed to capacity for the Funeral Mass.

Extra seats were provided outside for the overflow congregation.

A rendition of Bridge over Troubled Waters was played as the ceremony began.

At the outset of the Mass, Fr. Michael Gormally, chief celebrant, said somebody they loved and treasured had been taken away from them

In words of comfort, he continued: “Our bridge to get over this terrible event is the company of one another."

Sean Mullin described the excitement of the Mullins family every time Brian came home from America, where he lived for seven years.

After working in the hospitality industry in the States, Brian made a final move home from the US two years ago, Sean explained.

His 32nd birthday was on Saturday last, the day before he died.

His mother, Noreen, had a big birthday cake for him in the fridge and he promised he’d be back to cut it.

“The cake is still there," Sean declared sadly.

Sean expressed his condolences to the also- bereaved Ryan family on their loss on behalf of his family.

“They (Ryans) are going through the same hurt and mourning as all of us here,” he said.

Oisín Mullin, a Mayo inter-county senior footballer, introduced the symbols of his brother’s life as they were brought to the altar.

The presentations included a photograph of Brian’s family.

“He loved his family and he was never afraid to express his love for them," Oisin said.

Other presentations included Brian’s watch from his college days in Sligo, a name tag with a red carnation from a former job at Ashford Castle and cuff links, a tie, a pair of golf gloves and a floral printed trousers to symbolise “the pride Brian always took in his appearance."

“Brian was a people person, full of charm and charisma,” Oisín said.

After studying quantity surveying in college, Brian Mullin moved to Chicago.

A "10-week holiday turned into a seven-year stay” and he found his “true calling” in the hospitality industry.

The chief mourners at today’s funeral were Brian’s parents, Jarlath and Noreen, his siblings Sean, Jarlath, Oisín, Kevin, Susan, Tara and Shannon.

Burial took place in the New Cemetery, Kilmaine.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.