The joint funeral of a brother and sister, who tragically died while swimming off the coast of Co. Kerry lasy week, took place today in St John's Church in Lecarrow, Co Roscommon.
Dessie Byrne, 50, tried to save his older sister Muriel Eriksson, 62, as she got into difficulty while swimming at Ballybunion beach.
After entering the water, Des too found himself in trouble which led to the deaths of both siblings, who were described today as best friends with ‘a special bond.’
READ MORE: 'Tragedy beyond belief' as brother and sister die in drowning tragedy in Kerry
It is understood the pair and their families were on the first day of their holiday in the Co Kerry tourist spot.
Speaking during the heartbreaking funeral mass, Dessie’s nephew, Keith Byrne said: “We are gathered here today to honour the life of Des, a wonderful partner, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to all.
“How does one even start to describe the wonderful father and friend Des was to his adoring sons, Dean and Josh - they were quite simply his whole life, the entire of his universe.
“He has left them a lifetime of memories from skiing holidays, to car shows, and vintage rallies and adventures in the camper van.
“We remember his wicked sense of humour, his brutal honesty and his sense of always knowing best - in fact as we all knew it was his way or no way.”
Speaking about his relationship with his sister Muriel, Keith went on to say: “Des loved his adventures with his beloved sister, Muriel, they had a special bond, an understanding of each other. They were so united in life and now they are together forever in heaven.
“Leaving behind his much-beloved Kenny, Donal, Justin and Colm who have been a pillar of strength to Paulette and the boys.
“I would like to thank all the emergency services, gardaí, coast guard, helicopter, paramedics and the staff at University Hospital Kerry for their unbelievable love and care - especially to Josh.
“Des, there are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you will always and forever be in our hearts, goodbye for now, but not forever.”
John, Muriel’s son then spoke of his 'loving and caring' mother and said: “My mother was the most loving, caring person I ever met and much like her mother, Una, the best thing she knew was kids.
“I loved her so much, and after getting my boy, Liam, it went from love to admiring her and she was just a fantastic person.
“The bond they had was such a nice thing.”
Dessie’s son, Dean, stood up to speak before the mass ended and said: “My dad was a great man, and we did everything together. He was always out somewhere at a show or car boot sale bringing me and Josh with him for the spin in his blue van.
“Dad always worried about this day, but not for himself, he always told me that if he passes, I won't be alone.”
He said the house has been “filled with Byrnes and friends” who have been bringing them “everything they could need.” He thanked the community for their outpouring of love and support in recent days and concluded his speech by saying: “It’s sad enough losing your dad, but it’s so much worse when you not only lose your dad but your aunt.
“I haven’t been able to fully grieve for Muriel yet, and it hasn’t fully sunk in that she’s gone. I’ll miss being handed the phone and seeing Muriel’s big smile on FaceTime asking me how’s school and work.
“It won’t be the same without them.”
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