Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy thanked the family of Dolores O’Riordan for affording the people of Limerick and beyond the opportunity to pay their respects to her on Sunday at St. Joseph’s Church in the city.
Ahead of her funeral on Tuesday, the family of the Ballybricken woman arranged for her remains to lay in repose on Sunday at the same church in Limerick city where she made her First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Bishop Leahy was on hand with administrator of St. Joseph’s Parish Oliver Plunkett as he received Dolores remains at the Church on Sunday and meet with her mother Eileen and other family members who attended.
Speaking afterwards he said: “It was a very moving to be here, to see the generosity of Dolores’ mother Eileen and other family members not alone in providing this opportunity ahead of the funeral for the public to pay their respects but for being there also.
“Dolores’ had great spirituality and having met her mother today, it’s easy see why. She is taking a lot of strength from her faith at this difficult time and is a remarkable woman.”
Thousands of people filed past the Limerick woman’s coffin on Sunday afternoon to pay their respects. Addressing the large congregation at the outset, Bishop Leahy said: “In blessing the remains of Dolores O’Riordan here in St. Joseph’s Church in Limerick today, I am conscious that, while millions across the world have been shocked by the sad news of her death, today is Limerick’s public moment to bid farewell.
“We come to offer a heartfelt greeting to a deeply loved and cherished daughter of Limerick, a talented representative of the potential of Limerick people and a convinced advocate of living life in truth, love and peace.
Dolores appreciated the value of spirituality in our lives. She made her First Communion in this church and was confirmed here. Her spiritual journey continued in many parts of our world, and yet Dolores remained anchored in Limerick. We can be grateful to Dolores’ family for choosing this beautiful church as a venue for her lying in repose.
“Today as the Limerick people she greatly loved come to pay their respects, let us pray for Dolores: ‘May the angels lead you into paradise; and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem, where there will be no more tears, no more death or pain, for the time of heavenly singing has come’.” He concluded.
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