"Our family had a bond" - Son and brother of Louth family tragedy "hurting" as he bids final farewell

The bodies of husband and wife, Mark and Louise O’Connor, and their son Evan, were found at their home in Dromgowna, outside Tallanstown village in Co Louth, on September 29.
 
Robert O’Connor, 31, has since been charged with the murder of his parents and younger brother.

Among the gifts brought up to represent the trio at St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk were Nike runners and a running medal for Mark’s commitment to running as well as a record of his favourite album, "Bohemian Rhapsody" from Queen; an AHA record and sheet music to represent Louise’s love of music as well as a cat collar and a picture of her in her nursing uniform highlighting her love for animals and her dedication to her nursing career.

Gifts that represented Evan included a holiday book, the last pair of odd socks he knotted, a swimming cap, and a copy of his favourite programme, Thomas the Tank Engine.

In his eulogy, Mark and Louise’s son said it was "difficult to understand and put into words" what had happened.

He said: "No words can reflect how we all feel — how I feel. I am hurting. We all are. It’s something that may take an age to come to terms with, and a part of us may never heal.

"It’s not something we should ignore or forget or allow to overshadow the wonderful lives of my family. Instead, my family would want to celebrate the rich lives they led."

Cian detailed how his father took the "courageous" decision to go back into education following Evan’s Autism diagnosis. "He excelled and made it look easy.

"He became an advocate, and a champion for people with intellectual disabilities. As someone who has been in the third level system maybe a bit too long, he was always my inspiration."

Cian said his brother Evan was a "spark of joy" and paid tribute to his "home away."

An emotional Cian detailed his mum’s excitement at his upcoming wedding to his fiancé Shauna, noting "I think the happiest I have ever seen is her seeing Shauna in her wedding dress.

"She loved having a daughter," he choked out, "We will carry her with us on our wedding day [and] forever. Her love will always be with me.

"To my mam, dad and Evan; ye spent your lives looking out for us and making others smile even if it was ahead of yourselves. Our family had a bond. Robert, Shauna and I will miss you so much for the rest of our lives, and now it’s our turn to look after each other.

Funeral attendees were urged to wear odd socks, an ode to "one of Evan’s individualistic traits."

The young man, who had additional needs, attended Drogheda Abacas Special School, for 14 years.

 His loving parents were passionate advocates for him and all people with autism with Mark a board member of Autism Support Louth and Meath.

A tribute from Abacas said Mark and Louise were "instrumental" in the setting up of the school, adding that "many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude."

Elsewhere, Mark was a "cherished member" of local running club, North East Runners Dundalk, while his wife spent many years working as a nurse, also volunteering in the community. She was also a member of the Ardee Local Vocals singing group, which provided music on the day.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.