Family and friends of Jamie Murray have paid tribute at his funeral mass in Lurgan this morning (Wednesday), where his sister described him as her “biggest protector”.
The 22-year-old, who was the dearly beloved son of Deirdre and Jason, and much-loved brother of Patrice, Dylan, Charlie and Niall, died after getting into difficulties in Craigavon Lakes at the weekend.
The father-of-one’s coffin was brought into St Paul’s Church to a rendition of the hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’, with the officiating priest welcoming all family and friends to the service, including Jamie’s partner, Teri, and his best-friend Niall, who were present at the time of the tragic accident.
“Grief is a strange, strange thing,” said the parish priest.” It hits us all differently. We’ve each lost someone who’s different to us. We will all miss different aspects of Jamie… Along with all the memories and the stories of our different shared experiences.
“Death has always been a category that we have struggled to get our heads around. Whenever the death takes place, we’re suddenly bombarded with all different emotions, especially here with Jamie’s death, there’s the obvious sense of shock, total shock, loss, but there’s also uncertainty, sadness, anger, pain, doubt and all these things can be jumbled up together.”
He welcomed Patrice, Jamie’s sister, who struggled to hold back the tears as she spoke on the priceless memories made with her little brother.
She read: “My little brother, but my biggest protector. I never thought these last three days, that have caused so much heartache and pain, would also make us laugh and bring us happiness.
“We always knew how wild and funny Jamie was, but to hear everyone’s stories of him, and everything he got up to, shows that he really was one-of-a-kind and there truly was, and never will be, anyone like him.
“Growing up with four brothers, there was always talk of who’s the biggest and who’s the strongest and the stories that I could tell, I don’t think would be appropriate to share here today.
“But we were all so close and we always looked out for one another still to this day. I wish I could have my little brother back, the one who used to sneak into my room every night and ask could he sleep in beside me.
“Please look over us all – mum and dad, Teri and your baby girl, your little princess, Sophia. No sadness can compare to this, my precious brother, but today the choirs of angels sing to welcome in another.
“There was no one else on earth, so special as you were to me… I held on to you forever, my brother, in my heart. We shared something so special, a bond so deep and true nobody else could ever make me smile so well as you. I know that we will meet again, I know this is not the end…”
Jamie’s remains were interred in St Colman’s Cemetery following the funeral service. May he Rest in Peace.
