There were emotional scenes as the little white coffin of County Wexford girl, Fiadh O'Connor was placed in the hearse outside the church of St. John the Baptist, The Ballagh, on Saturday afternoon.
The requiem mass for the little girl saw Somehow Over the Rainbow performed as her small white coffin was carried into the church.
Four-year-old Fiadh had terminal cancer and her parents were forced to go public in recent weeks to secure palliative care from the HSE so she could die in her own home.
READ MORE: Brave Fiadh O'Connor dies 'in mammy's arms' just days before 5th birthday after cancer battle
Symbols of Fiadh's life were brought to the altar including a selection of her favourite toys, a lipstick, three sods of turf, to represent the places she and her parents grew up in, her ballet dress, artwork and a selection of family photographs.
Fiadh is survived by her parents Laura and Rory, her little brother Páidí, and extended family members.
Speaking from the altar with Fiadh's aunt Ciara by her side, Laura O'Connor said her beloved child “was surrounded by love”.
She said the day Fiadh was born was the “happiest” day of their lives.
She was also so excited to be a big sister to Páidí, Ms O'Connor said, who she would smother in kisses and hugs.
“She would teach him new things, saying 'I'm the big sister. I'll show you,” Ms O'Connor added.
“Páidí was heartbroken and will miss her so much.”
Ms O'Connor said Fiadh “beat cancer twice” but “ultimately the aggressive disease” was too much to overcome.
She said her daughter was “brave and resilient”, a true warrior, and she thanked all her family, friends, and Fiadh's medical team for their support.
“We know family and friends will help us get through the dark days ahead without Fiadh,” she said.
Fiadh was pre-deceased by Laura's father Jim who will “look after her now”, Ms O'Connor added.
Laura told the congregation about how the night before Fiadh died, she asked her mother to bring her into the kitchen so she could say hello to her visitors. She then asked to be brought to her playroom and then to bed.
“So I carried her down to her bedroom. We changed her into fresh jammies, and she lay in my arms on her bed cuddling,” Ms O'Connor said.
“We stayed cuddling all night and Rory held her hand. Her heart was so, so strong, and she held on for a long time. She was so brave and she took her final breath with Páidí fast asleep in his bed and all of her family close by,” she added.
“We will miss her forever and a piece of our hearts will always be with her in heaven. We take comfort in knowing that my day, grandad Jim, will look after her now. God Bless you Fiadh, and thank you.”
A private burial service was held for Fiadh after the mass.
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