Ahead of Noah's funeral tomorrow from St Patrick's Church in Donegall Street, parish priest Fr Eugene O'Neill and curate Fr Tony McAleese pay tribute to an "extraordinary and gifted young man" and share a message from his mother Fiona for parents to "embrace and cherish" their children "for every moment with them is precious."
THE priests and parishioners of St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast, share the grief expressed by so many in the last days at the death of Noah Donohoe and express our sincere sympathy to his mother, Fiona, and all the members of his family.
Noah was an extraordinary and gifted young man – a genuine all-rounder with a questing mind, a love of sport and a sense of beauty that was evident to all who knew him.
His natural graciousness and the gift of friendship he gave to many are a tribute to his character.
Under the guidance of his beloved mother, Fiona, Noah Donohoe met the world with love; and those who met him were changed by their encounter with this gentle young man.
As a schoolboy at St Malachy’s College – located within the parish – Noah became part of that great family whose association with St Patrick’s Church began at its foundation and continues to the present day.
Noah and Fiona loved St Patrick’s. They came here often finding solace in the calm space washed by over two hundred years of prayer. Since last week, the whole parish has united its prayers to Fiona’s and her family’s and those of countless people of faith in this city and beyond.
We are humbled that St Patrick’s in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter which has been a refuge for Fiona in these days of sorrow should have been chosen as the place for Noah’s Requiem Mass. We assure her of our continued prayers.
At Fiona’s request, we share a message from her: “No words can express our thanks to all the people for their support and for taking Noah to their hearts. At the time of the funeral, I want everyone to be at home with their children. Embrace them and cherish them, for every moment with them is precious.”
