The north Roscommon man who died in a camping accident in Canada has been remembered as happy, fun-loving, adventurous and kind at his memorial Mass.
Charlie Beirne was also noted for his ‘wit’, ‘outrageous behaviour’, ‘powerful hugs’ and ability to lift people up.
The Knockvicar native was living in Chilliwack in Canada when he died on April 17, at the age of 35.
He’s survived by his fiancé Taylor, son Shae and family.
His funeral took place in Canada earlier this month and he was cremated.
A memorial Mass was held in St Patrick’s Church in Crossna, Co Roscommon, this afternoon, at which his ashes were present, in an urn at the altar.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Brendan McDonagh, the parish priest of Cootehall, who described Charlie as ‘happy, fun-loving and adventurous’.
An eulogy was read, which said: “I don’t need to tell any of you how fiercely Charlie loved his friends and family. He could be unpredictable and yet he was one of the most dedicated and focused people I have ever known.
“His natural intuition for meat, machines, people and the world around him impressed everyone who met him.
“He could make you laugh with his wit and outrageous behaviour.
“He could also make you feel safe and loved through his words and his powerful hugs.
“Charlie understood the pressures of life can place on a person and he always responded with love and humour, quickly turning his attention to those who needed support, no matter who they are.
“Charlie was the middle child and only son of Anne and Cathal.
“To his sisters, he was known as 'the golden boy' – the one who could do no wrong.
“He loved the thrill of life and always managed to evade trouble.
“He had a gift for charming people and could talk his way through almost anything.
“I once asked him: ‘How do you do it? How do you get away with so much?’
“His response was: ‘It’s all about being kind and honest to the person.’
“So, according to Charlie, if you treated people with kindness, the one who benefitted the most will ultimately be yourself.
“Charlie was always testing boundaries, always exploring life to its fullest.
“He was the most adventurous person I knew and he was never afraid of what life threw at him.
“He would take a chance on almost anything.
“He very rarely said ‘no’ to a challenge or adventure.
“It brought Charlie great joy when my children were born and even greater when his own son was born. He was so proud of these moments and understood how precious they truly were.
“For them and for all of us, the day Charlie left this earth, a star was born. Charlie was such a powerful light in this world and even though he is gone, the light will remain.
“He will continue to shine brightly, guiding the people who moved him just as much as he did in life.
“So, when life feels heavy, look out for the brightest star in the sky and let it remind you of Charlie, lifting you up, guiding you forward, encouraging you to believe in your best self and to live your best life. That is what Charlie would want.
“He did it for so many people and that is the legacy he leaves behind.
“When we remember the love we feel for him, that loves continues through us and out into the world.
“His energy can never truly be destroyed. It can only change form.
“And so, although Charlie has left this world, his spirit, his love, his light and his energy will continue to live on through all of us.”
