‘We love you, Luke. Always' – Kerry father's Funeral tribute to cherished son

Irish Independent

2 days ago

Tony Silles performed the speech that no parent wants to make as he bravely captured Luke's unique personality before a packed church at Cloghar where outside the lines of mourners gathered to give Luke his final farewell and guard of honour.
Tony spoke of preparing his eulogy by sitting in Luke's study desk in his bedroom, surrounded by his geography books, trying to find the inspiration for the hardest words a parent should have to write about their child.
'These are the same geography books Luke sat in our backyard with studying in the evening sun prior to his trip to Fenit,' he said.
'The CBS Green family, under the leadership of Robert Flaherty, has proved to be one of the strongest communities outside of any parish I have experienced. During Luke's school days you only get snippets of the actual school life. Luke is a school character who found a way to interact with pupils of all ages along with all staff members.
"For six years Luke was in the Green school, he filled the corridors and classrooms with an aura and presence that was reflected to us by staff members who showed us outgoing love, care, and support since Luke's accident,' he added.
Tony spoke of Luke as always having a friendly nod, smile and simple hello for everyone who passed him. His deep love for family and home life were touched on.
'Luke was probably the coordinator of all activities going on in our household, except for getting out of bed which he delegated to his mom,' Tony joked.
'Anything happening regarding sporting or social activities, Luke would decide what parent goes where…The intercounty trips with Kerry games produced the most enjoyable chats and laughs, especially on the long journeys where often he liked a parking spot close to Croke Park. Then, it was home to watch The Sunday Game and he'd have mom organised to feed us on arrival,' he said.
'Sporting activities were always at the top of his agenda. Even though he suffered a few long term injuries lately, he would readily check in on all his teams' performance and help in anyway possible on the day, especially for school teams where he would get a few hours away from the norm. Number one would be Ballymac GAA and being involved with players he grew up with. His passion for the blue and gold was evident every time he laced football boots. Playing football with the school and Castleisland District League were huge honours for Luke with silverware to show for both codes,' Tony said.
'From a young age, Luke also joined Tralee Dynamos soccer club. He played all ages before progressing on to senior teams with his highlight making the Kennedy Cup squad. The school also provided opportunities for him to play soccer, reaching a high level when winning the Munster U15 cup.'
Tony said friendship and family values are what mattered most to Luke and were his strongest qualities. He mentioned Luke's 'special touch and gift' he had for dealing with people. The huge circle of friends Luke surrounded himself with was evidence of this trait.
'Luke could socialise for five nights in a row with five completely different groups of companions. There was little said about the female friends but going on the last week and support there was no shortage,' Tony joked.
'Since the dreaded phone call no parent wants to get on the wonderfully fine Saturday evening, our lives have been turned upside down. The support to all of us has been nothing but overwhelming. From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank everyone who contributed and helped in any way at a time of most need. Over the coming weeks we will express our gratitude directly to all,' he said.
'I must acknowledge the care that Luke received from the people who rescued him. To the paramedics, both off duty at Fenit and those who arrived at the scene, and the teams in A&E and ICU at University Hospital Kerry. They did everything in their power to give Luke the best care and every possible chance of survival,' Tony said.
"Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and now we have to deal with the unimaginable and where life will take us next. Having a presence in every chapter of our children's lives, trying to write new chapters without him seems impossible. I hope Luke's shining light can guide us as we navigate life without him and give his wonderful mother, Paula, brother, Oran, and sister, Aimee, the strength and resilience to keep going during these devastating days. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We love you, Luke. Always.'