THE LYRICS of the famous Liverpool anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ echoed through Holy Cross Church in Lisnaskea on Tuesday morning as 25-year-old soccer fan Sean O’Brien was laid to rest.
The community in Lisnaskea was left shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the young man on Saturday past.
Son of Edel and Rory, brother to Emma, and the eldest grandchild of May O’Brien and Kevin and Patsy McCaffrey, parish priest Fr Jimmy McPhillips described Sean as a “gentle soul” who had many, many friends and whose family doted over him.
“While he wasn’t a man of many words, he was always warm by nature, welcoming, good natured who loved looking after people,” said Fr McPhillips.
Mourners heard how of Sean’s “fanaticism” with Liverpool FC, and how he regularly would travel to Anfield for matches.
“He even went to the city to watch the matches on TV, just to be there,” said Fr McPhillips. “And all the jerseys he had, and more ordered, and on the way.”
Sean was also a keen music fan, particularly rave, and had his own decks and a desire to be a DJ. He loved dogs, and running, and was keen into football as well as soccer, playing for Lisnaskea Emmetts to minor level.
“As a 25 year old, he had so much more in life to live for, he had his partner, he had his supportive and encouraging parents, he had his wonderful sister, his grandparents,” said Fr McPhillips.
Sean’s father Rory is the Reserves and Senior team selector for the Emmetts.
The club issued a heartfelt tribute to Sean ahead of his funeral.
“Lisnaskea Emmetts would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the McCaffrey and O’Brien families on the tragic and untimely death of Sean,” a club spokesman said.
“Sean was a former youth player with the club and his father Rory is an important member of our senior and reserve backroom teams.
“Sean’s death at such a young age will be keenly felt by those connected with the club and the club will be here to support the family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Edel, his father Rory, his sister Emma and the extended family at this most difficult time.
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