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Sunday World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Dad delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral of his son (18) after Kerry swimming accident
Crowds gathered for the funeral of Luke Silles who died last Friday after a swimming accident on May 17 The sombre grey sky over Ballymacelligott on Wednesday morning was broken by the cherished and heartfelt words of a loving father for his son, Luke. 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 at 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. Luke '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. Guards of honour at the funeral of Luke Silles at St Brendan's Church, Clogher. News in 90 Seconds - May 28th '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.'
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘We love you, Luke. Always' – Kerry father's Funeral tribute to cherished son
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.'
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Funeral details announced for Kerry teen who died following swimming accident
Funeral details have been announced for the teenager who died on Friday evening after he was injured in a swimming accident on May 17 off the Kerry coast. Luke Silles had been in critical condition since the incident and died on Friday at approximately 8pm. The 18-year-old, who was a sixth-year pupil at CBS The Green, in Tralee, had been swimming with friends by Fenit Pier when the incident occurred. The popular teenager, from Curraghleha East, Tralee, is described as a 'cherished and beloved son' of parents Tony and Paula and 'adored' older brother of Oran and Aimee. His notice reads: 'Luke passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the exceptional care of a dedicated team at University Hospital Kerry. 'Luke will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, sister, grandfather Denis, [and] grandmother Mary.' He will also be missed by his "aunts, uncles, grand-aunts and grand-uncles, cousins, extended family, the community of Ballymac GAA, the CBS Green Family, neighbours and his wide circle of friends". Luke is predeceased by his Nana Maureen, Grandad Silvie and his aunt Mary-Teresa. He will be reposing at his home on Tuesday evening from 4pm to 8pm. A Requiem Mass will take place at 11am at St Brendan's Church, Clogher on Wednesday, followed by interment in New Rath Cemetery. The family has asked that donations should be made in lieu of flowers to the Fenit RNLI. The notice adds: 'Tony, Paula, Oran, Aimee and the extended Silles and Harris families are deeply grateful for all the love, support, and kindness shown to them during this difficult time.' Kerry County Council leas-chathaoirleach Fionnán Fitzgerald, in a statement on behalf of Luke's school, said the 18-year-old was a very popular student at The Green and was highly regarded by both staff and students. Mr Fitzgerald, who was one of Luke's teachers, also spoke of his love of sport, saying he not only loved sport but also loved representing his school. He played football for The Green and was part of the team that won the Br Taft competition in 2022. That year, he was also part of the soccer team that won the U15 Kingdom Cup. Mr Fitzgerald said: 'He was kind, gentle, thoughtful, good-humoured, cared deeply for all and engaged positively with everyone. 'He had a kind word and a smile for all he met. 'Luke was preparing for his Leaving Cert examination alongside his classmates and always showed gratitude for guidance given. 'Luke Silles encapsulated the spirit of The Green.' Since Luke's death, the school has implemented its critical incident plan and is working closely with various agencies, in particular, the National Educational Psychological Service, to provide support for students and the wider school community.
