THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VISITS KEVIN FOR HIS BIRTHDAY AND WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIS WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
Kevin was the first child of Patrick & Maureen McGlinchey. He had everything in the world to live for. A fiancee, a baby on the way and a May 10th Wedding Date. The wedding plans were all coming together nicely. They had everything done including having shopped for their wedding rings. Life was wonderful.
Then Kevin's 15 year old sister Clare became ill and was hospitalized. Over the course of the next ten days the family stayed at the hospital keeping vigil over Clare. Clare was resuscitated three times during this period and the doctor then told the family there would be no more resuscitation. Clare would be allowed to die. Kevin did not take this lightly and told the doctor to take whatever Clare needed from him. The doctor explained that Clare's brain stem was shutting down and it was not something Kevin could give to her. Kevin was devastated, he had always been very protective of Clare. He even told the doctor, "I would gladly give my life if she would live".
The stress and strain of being at the hospital non stop took it's toll and Kevin's fiancée went into premature labour. Thankfully she delivered a healthy baby boy. The couple had already picked the name for their son calling him Declan Liam. Kevin was over the moon with excitement, running through the hospital shouting, "It's a boy, It's a boy". The stress and worry of the past days was lifted in the jubilation of new life, a new healthy baby in spite of the premature birth. It was February 3 1997.
Over the next three days Kevin spent every minute he had at the hospital going between visiting his fiancée, his new born son and his sister. Reluctantly on February 6 he went back to work as he did not want to lose his job having been off so long. He promised his fiancée and parents he would be straight back to the hospital after work. His friend who was going to be the baby's godfather was going to give Kevin a ride. They had decided to have Declan Liam McGlinchey christened on Valentines Day. Kevin had bought two beer for him and his dad to "christen" the baby.
As visiting time began there was no sign of Kevin. Time passed and everyone knew Kevin would not have missed one minute of being able to spend time with Declan. His father went to look for him and soon came upon the yellow police tape cordoning off the road. Paddy who is a paramedic knew those on the scene of the accident and when they told him that two young men had been sent to the hospital Paddy rushed back. In Emerge he asked one of the ambulance men to see if one of the lads had a Celtic tattoo around his arm. A tattoo Kevin had only recently got. When the Attendant came out of the treatment area there was no need to say anything. The look on his face said it all. It was Kevin and his friend and it was very serious.
Word quickly spread through the hospital of the accident happening to this family while Clare remained critically ill and the new baby had just been born.
Rev. Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor was told of the situation. Hearing that Kevin was on life support and that the young couple had planned to marry in a few short months he offered to perform a Marriage Blessing. It could not be a full wedding service as Kevin was not able to physically say "I do". A family friend went to the house to get the wedding rings and the doctors allowed Kevin's fiancée, parents and the Bishop into the ICU ward to conduct the service. Kevin's parents would be the witnesses. They also opened the doors of the ICU to allow family and friends who were at the hospital to hear the service. As the Bride to be, and Kevin's parents entered the ICU we sang Amazing Grace. It was Ash Wednesday.
As his fiancée walked through the doors of the ICU we quietly sang Amazing Grace. There were no flowers, no wedding dress, no great joy. Standing not much more than 5ft. the bride looked tired, weak and drawn. Her gown was the dressing robe she had worn in the past days after giving birth to their son. It was a pitiful, poignant, heart wrenching sight. We linked hands outside the ICU doors forming a guard of honour as she passed, showing our solidarity, our hope and offering our prayers.
Three times the Bishop tried to put the ring on Kevin's finger, each time as his hand was put back down on the bed, the ring fell off. A nurse provided some surgical tape and the ring was taped to his wedding finger.
As the bride exited supported on either side by Kevin's parent's, her tear streaked face was no match for the crumbling paper tissue's in her hand. As tears streamed down all our faces we prayed The Lord is my Sheppard and the ICU doors closed on the tragedy of young love and the reality that life can change in an instant.
Over the next few days Clare took a turn for the better and began improving defying all medical odds.
Tests revealed that Kevin had no brain activity and doctors talked to the family about organ donation and turning off life support. We each took turns saying our goodbyes to Kevin, his little son lying in his arms one last time before his daddy was taken to allow his organs to give others life.
The young man who had everything to live for had died. It was February 9 1997.
Kevin was buried from his parents home, one of the precious mementos included in his coffin was the beer he did not get to share with his dad. Requiem Mass was held at St. Comgall's Church, the same church the young couple was to be married in. The funeral procession then headed to the cemetery flanked with a guard of honour from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service where Kevin's dad worked. Family and friends carried the coffin draped in the colours of Kevin's favourite soccer team - "Celtic".
As the service concluded at the grave site we tossed carnations onto the coffin. His mother placed a flashlight with her son because as a child he was afraid of the dark. Then one by one we each shovelled a piece of dirt into the grave and said our last goodbyes, asking God to keep Kevin in his care. The Son, Brother, Husband, Father, the young man who had everything to live for was gone. It was February 12 1997.
The Baby:
Kevin's son was baptized on Valentines Day, two days after his fathers funeral. The child's name was changed to add tribute to his father. He would now be Declan Liam Kevin McGlinchey.
Kevin's Sister:
Clare made a miraculous recovery and was discharged from the hospital. She would soon join her big brother on March 18 2000.
Kevin called me when the baby was born to give me the good news, he was so excited. As we wrapped up our telephone call he said, "Auntie Rosetta, your a great aunt". I was so pleased and got all mushy telling him how nice that was to hear. He replied... "No your a GREAT AUNT", I clued in and realized he was talking about me being a great aunt to his little son. The two of us laughed and he said "well you are a great aunt too". I told him he was a great nephew and I was so happy for him. I told him to give the baby a hug and kiss for me. As we ended the call I told him I loved him. It was the last time we spoke.
Special Sister: Clare McGlinchey
Grandfather: Kevin McGlinchey Sr.
Kevin was the first child of Patrick & Maureen McGlinchey. He had everything in the world to live for. A fiancee, a baby on the way and a May 10th Wedding Date. The wedding plans were all coming together nicely. They had everything done including having shopped for their wedding rings. Life was wonderful.
Then Kevin's 15 year old sister Clare became ill and was hospitalized. Over the course of the next ten days the family stayed at the hospital keeping vigil over Clare. Clare was resuscitated three times during this period and the doctor then told the family there would be no more resuscitation. Clare would be allowed to die. Kevin did not take this lightly and told the doctor to take whatever Clare needed from him. The doctor explained that Clare's brain stem was shutting down and it was not something Kevin could give to her. Kevin was devastated, he had always been very protective of Clare. He even told the doctor, "I would gladly give my life if she would live".
The stress and strain of being at the hospital non stop took it's toll and Kevin's fiancée went into premature labour. Thankfully she delivered a healthy baby boy. The couple had already picked the name for their son calling him Declan Liam. Kevin was over the moon with excitement, running through the hospital shouting, "It's a boy, It's a boy". The stress and worry of the past days was lifted in the jubilation of new life, a new healthy baby in spite of the premature birth. It was February 3 1997.
Over the next three days Kevin spent every minute he had at the hospital going between visiting his fiancée, his new born son and his sister. Reluctantly on February 6 he went back to work as he did not want to lose his job having been off so long. He promised his fiancée and parents he would be straight back to the hospital after work. His friend who was going to be the baby's godfather was going to give Kevin a ride. They had decided to have Declan Liam McGlinchey christened on Valentines Day. Kevin had bought two beer for him and his dad to "christen" the baby.
As visiting time began there was no sign of Kevin. Time passed and everyone knew Kevin would not have missed one minute of being able to spend time with Declan. His father went to look for him and soon came upon the yellow police tape cordoning off the road. Paddy who is a paramedic knew those on the scene of the accident and when they told him that two young men had been sent to the hospital Paddy rushed back. In Emerge he asked one of the ambulance men to see if one of the lads had a Celtic tattoo around his arm. A tattoo Kevin had only recently got. When the Attendant came out of the treatment area there was no need to say anything. The look on his face said it all. It was Kevin and his friend and it was very serious.
Word quickly spread through the hospital of the accident happening to this family while Clare remained critically ill and the new baby had just been born.
Rev. Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor was told of the situation. Hearing that Kevin was on life support and that the young couple had planned to marry in a few short months he offered to perform a Marriage Blessing. It could not be a full wedding service as Kevin was not able to physically say "I do". A family friend went to the house to get the wedding rings and the doctors allowed Kevin's fiancée, parents and the Bishop into the ICU ward to conduct the service. Kevin's parents would be the witnesses. They also opened the doors of the ICU to allow family and friends who were at the hospital to hear the service. As the Bride to be, and Kevin's parents entered the ICU we sang Amazing Grace. It was Ash Wednesday.
As his fiancée walked through the doors of the ICU we quietly sang Amazing Grace. There were no flowers, no wedding dress, no great joy. Standing not much more than 5ft. the bride looked tired, weak and drawn. Her gown was the dressing robe she had worn in the past days after giving birth to their son. It was a pitiful, poignant, heart wrenching sight. We linked hands outside the ICU doors forming a guard of honour as she passed, showing our solidarity, our hope and offering our prayers.
Three times the Bishop tried to put the ring on Kevin's finger, each time as his hand was put back down on the bed, the ring fell off. A nurse provided some surgical tape and the ring was taped to his wedding finger.
As the bride exited supported on either side by Kevin's parent's, her tear streaked face was no match for the crumbling paper tissue's in her hand. As tears streamed down all our faces we prayed The Lord is my Sheppard and the ICU doors closed on the tragedy of young love and the reality that life can change in an instant.
Over the next few days Clare took a turn for the better and began improving defying all medical odds.
Tests revealed that Kevin had no brain activity and doctors talked to the family about organ donation and turning off life support. We each took turns saying our goodbyes to Kevin, his little son lying in his arms one last time before his daddy was taken to allow his organs to give others life.
The young man who had everything to live for had died. It was February 9 1997.
Kevin was buried from his parents home, one of the precious mementos included in his coffin was the beer he did not get to share with his dad. Requiem Mass was held at St. Comgall's Church, the same church the young couple was to be married in. The funeral procession then headed to the cemetery flanked with a guard of honour from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service where Kevin's dad worked. Family and friends carried the coffin draped in the colours of Kevin's favourite soccer team - "Celtic".
As the service concluded at the grave site we tossed carnations onto the coffin. His mother placed a flashlight with her son because as a child he was afraid of the dark. Then one by one we each shovelled a piece of dirt into the grave and said our last goodbyes, asking God to keep Kevin in his care. The Son, Brother, Husband, Father, the young man who had everything to live for was gone. It was February 12 1997.
The Baby:
Kevin's son was baptized on Valentines Day, two days after his fathers funeral. The child's name was changed to add tribute to his father. He would now be Declan Liam Kevin McGlinchey.
Kevin's Sister:
Clare made a miraculous recovery and was discharged from the hospital. She would soon join her big brother on March 18 2000.
Kevin called me when the baby was born to give me the good news, he was so excited. As we wrapped up our telephone call he said, "Auntie Rosetta, your a great aunt". I was so pleased and got all mushy telling him how nice that was to hear. He replied... "No your a GREAT AUNT", I clued in and realized he was talking about me being a great aunt to his little son. The two of us laughed and he said "well you are a great aunt too". I told him he was a great nephew and I was so happy for him. I told him to give the baby a hug and kiss for me. As we ended the call I told him I loved him. It was the last time we spoke.
Special Sister: Clare McGlinchey
Grandfather: Kevin McGlinchey Sr.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VISITS KEVIN FOR HIS BIRTHDAY AND WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIS WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
Kevin was the first child of Patrick & Maureen McGlinchey. He had everything in the world to live for. A fiancee, a baby on the way and a May 10th Wedding Date. The wedding plans were all coming together nicely. They had everything done including having shopped for their wedding rings. Life was wonderful.
Then Kevin's 15 year old sister Clare became ill and was hospitalized. Over the course of the next ten days the family stayed at the hospital keeping vigil over Clare. Clare was resuscitated three times during this period and the doctor then told the family there would be no more resuscitation. Clare would be allowed to die. Kevin did not take this lightly and told the doctor to take whatever Clare needed from him. The doctor explained that Clare's brain stem was shutting down and it was not something Kevin could give to her. Kevin was devastated, he had always been very protective of Clare. He even told the doctor, "I would gladly give my life if she would live".
The stress and strain of being at the hospital non stop took it's toll and Kevin's fiancée went into premature labour. Thankfully she delivered a healthy baby boy. The couple had already picked the name for their son calling him Declan Liam. Kevin was over the moon with excitement, running through the hospital shouting, "It's a boy, It's a boy". The stress and worry of the past days was lifted in the jubilation of new life, a new healthy baby in spite of the premature birth. It was February 3 1997.
Over the next three days Kevin spent every minute he had at the hospital going between visiting his fiancée, his new born son and his sister. Reluctantly on February 6 he went back to work as he did not want to lose his job having been off so long. He promised his fiancée and parents he would be straight back to the hospital after work. His friend who was going to be the baby's godfather was going to give Kevin a ride. They had decided to have Declan Liam McGlinchey christened on Valentines Day. Kevin had bought two beer for him and his dad to "christen" the baby.
As visiting time began there was no sign of Kevin. Time passed and everyone knew Kevin would not have missed one minute of being able to spend time with Declan. His father went to look for him and soon came upon the yellow police tape cordoning off the road. Paddy who is a paramedic knew those on the scene of the accident and when they told him that two young men had been sent to the hospital Paddy rushed back. In Emerge he asked one of the ambulance men to see if one of the lads had a Celtic tattoo around his arm. A tattoo Kevin had only recently got. When the Attendant came out of the treatment area there was no need to say anything. The look on his face said it all. It was Kevin and his friend and it was very serious.
Word quickly spread through the hospital of the accident happening to this family while Clare remained critically ill and the new baby had just been born.
Rev. Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor was told of the situation. Hearing that Kevin was on life support and that the young couple had planned to marry in a few short months he offered to perform a Marriage Blessing. It could not be a full wedding service as Kevin was not able to physically say "I do". A family friend went to the house to get the wedding rings and the doctors allowed Kevin's fiancée, parents and the Bishop into the ICU ward to conduct the service. Kevin's parents would be the witnesses. They also opened the doors of the ICU to allow family and friends who were at the hospital to hear the service. As the Bride to be, and Kevin's parents entered the ICU we sang Amazing Grace. It was Ash Wednesday.
As his fiancée walked through the doors of the ICU we quietly sang Amazing Grace. There were no flowers, no wedding dress, no great joy. Standing not much more than 5ft. the bride looked tired, weak and drawn. Her gown was the dressing robe she had worn in the past days after giving birth to their son. It was a pitiful, poignant, heart wrenching sight. We linked hands outside the ICU doors forming a guard of honour as she passed, showing our solidarity, our hope and offering our prayers.
Three times the Bishop tried to put the ring on Kevin's finger, each time as his hand was put back down on the bed, the ring fell off. A nurse provided some surgical tape and the ring was taped to his wedding finger.
As the bride exited supported on either side by Kevin's parent's, her tear streaked face was no match for the crumbling paper tissue's in her hand. As tears streamed down all our faces we prayed The Lord is my Sheppard and the ICU doors closed on the tragedy of young love and the reality that life can change in an instant.
Over the next few days Clare took a turn for the better and began improving defying all medical odds.
Tests revealed that Kevin had no brain activity and doctors talked to the family about organ donation and turning off life support. We each took turns saying our goodbyes to Kevin, his little son lying in his arms one last time before his daddy was taken to allow his organs to give others life.
The young man who had everything to live for had died. It was February 9 1997.
Kevin was buried from his parents home, one of the precious mementos included in his coffin was the beer he did not get to share with his dad. Requiem Mass was held at St. Comgall's Church, the same church the young couple was to be married in. The funeral procession then headed to the cemetery flanked with a guard of honour from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service where Kevin's dad worked. Family and friends carried the coffin draped in the colours of Kevin's favourite soccer team - "Celtic".
As the service concluded at the grave site we tossed carnations onto the coffin. His mother placed a flashlight with her son because as a child he was afraid of the dark. Then one by one we each shovelled a piece of dirt into the grave and said our last goodbyes, asking God to keep Kevin in his care. The Son, Brother, Husband, Father, the young man who had everything to live for was gone. It was February 12 1997.
The Baby:
Kevin's son was baptized on Valentines Day, two days after his fathers funeral. The child's name was changed to add tribute to his father. He would now be Declan Liam Kevin McGlinchey.
Kevin's Sister:
Clare made a miraculous recovery and was discharged from the hospital. She would soon join her big brother on March 18 2000.
Kevin called me when the baby was born to give me the good news, he was so excited. As we wrapped up our telephone call he said, "Auntie Rosetta, your a great aunt". I was so pleased and got all mushy telling him how nice that was to hear. He replied... "No your a GREAT AUNT", I clued in and realized he was talking about me being a great aunt to his little son. The two of us laughed and he said "well you are a great aunt too". I told him he was a great nephew and I was so happy for him. I told him to give the baby a hug and kiss for me. As we ended the call I told him I loved him. It was the last time we spoke.
Special Sister: Clare McGlinchey
Grandfather: Kevin McGlinchey Sr.
Kevin was the first child of Patrick & Maureen McGlinchey. He had everything in the world to live for. A fiancee, a baby on the way and a May 10th Wedding Date. The wedding plans were all coming together nicely. They had everything done including having shopped for their wedding rings. Life was wonderful.
Then Kevin's 15 year old sister Clare became ill and was hospitalized. Over the course of the next ten days the family stayed at the hospital keeping vigil over Clare. Clare was resuscitated three times during this period and the doctor then told the family there would be no more resuscitation. Clare would be allowed to die. Kevin did not take this lightly and told the doctor to take whatever Clare needed from him. The doctor explained that Clare's brain stem was shutting down and it was not something Kevin could give to her. Kevin was devastated, he had always been very protective of Clare. He even told the doctor, "I would gladly give my life if she would live".
The stress and strain of being at the hospital non stop took it's toll and Kevin's fiancée went into premature labour. Thankfully she delivered a healthy baby boy. The couple had already picked the name for their son calling him Declan Liam. Kevin was over the moon with excitement, running through the hospital shouting, "It's a boy, It's a boy". The stress and worry of the past days was lifted in the jubilation of new life, a new healthy baby in spite of the premature birth. It was February 3 1997.
Over the next three days Kevin spent every minute he had at the hospital going between visiting his fiancée, his new born son and his sister. Reluctantly on February 6 he went back to work as he did not want to lose his job having been off so long. He promised his fiancée and parents he would be straight back to the hospital after work. His friend who was going to be the baby's godfather was going to give Kevin a ride. They had decided to have Declan Liam McGlinchey christened on Valentines Day. Kevin had bought two beer for him and his dad to "christen" the baby.
As visiting time began there was no sign of Kevin. Time passed and everyone knew Kevin would not have missed one minute of being able to spend time with Declan. His father went to look for him and soon came upon the yellow police tape cordoning off the road. Paddy who is a paramedic knew those on the scene of the accident and when they told him that two young men had been sent to the hospital Paddy rushed back. In Emerge he asked one of the ambulance men to see if one of the lads had a Celtic tattoo around his arm. A tattoo Kevin had only recently got. When the Attendant came out of the treatment area there was no need to say anything. The look on his face said it all. It was Kevin and his friend and it was very serious.
Word quickly spread through the hospital of the accident happening to this family while Clare remained critically ill and the new baby had just been born.
Rev. Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor was told of the situation. Hearing that Kevin was on life support and that the young couple had planned to marry in a few short months he offered to perform a Marriage Blessing. It could not be a full wedding service as Kevin was not able to physically say "I do". A family friend went to the house to get the wedding rings and the doctors allowed Kevin's fiancée, parents and the Bishop into the ICU ward to conduct the service. Kevin's parents would be the witnesses. They also opened the doors of the ICU to allow family and friends who were at the hospital to hear the service. As the Bride to be, and Kevin's parents entered the ICU we sang Amazing Grace. It was Ash Wednesday.
As his fiancée walked through the doors of the ICU we quietly sang Amazing Grace. There were no flowers, no wedding dress, no great joy. Standing not much more than 5ft. the bride looked tired, weak and drawn. Her gown was the dressing robe she had worn in the past days after giving birth to their son. It was a pitiful, poignant, heart wrenching sight. We linked hands outside the ICU doors forming a guard of honour as she passed, showing our solidarity, our hope and offering our prayers.
Three times the Bishop tried to put the ring on Kevin's finger, each time as his hand was put back down on the bed, the ring fell off. A nurse provided some surgical tape and the ring was taped to his wedding finger.
As the bride exited supported on either side by Kevin's parent's, her tear streaked face was no match for the crumbling paper tissue's in her hand. As tears streamed down all our faces we prayed The Lord is my Sheppard and the ICU doors closed on the tragedy of young love and the reality that life can change in an instant.
Over the next few days Clare took a turn for the better and began improving defying all medical odds.
Tests revealed that Kevin had no brain activity and doctors talked to the family about organ donation and turning off life support. We each took turns saying our goodbyes to Kevin, his little son lying in his arms one last time before his daddy was taken to allow his organs to give others life.
The young man who had everything to live for had died. It was February 9 1997.
Kevin was buried from his parents home, one of the precious mementos included in his coffin was the beer he did not get to share with his dad. Requiem Mass was held at St. Comgall's Church, the same church the young couple was to be married in. The funeral procession then headed to the cemetery flanked with a guard of honour from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service where Kevin's dad worked. Family and friends carried the coffin draped in the colours of Kevin's favourite soccer team - "Celtic".
As the service concluded at the grave site we tossed carnations onto the coffin. His mother placed a flashlight with her son because as a child he was afraid of the dark. Then one by one we each shovelled a piece of dirt into the grave and said our last goodbyes, asking God to keep Kevin in his care. The Son, Brother, Husband, Father, the young man who had everything to live for was gone. It was February 12 1997.
The Baby:
Kevin's son was baptized on Valentines Day, two days after his fathers funeral. The child's name was changed to add tribute to his father. He would now be Declan Liam Kevin McGlinchey.
Kevin's Sister:
Clare made a miraculous recovery and was discharged from the hospital. She would soon join her big brother on March 18 2000.
Kevin called me when the baby was born to give me the good news, he was so excited. As we wrapped up our telephone call he said, "Auntie Rosetta, your a great aunt". I was so pleased and got all mushy telling him how nice that was to hear. He replied... "No your a GREAT AUNT", I clued in and realized he was talking about me being a great aunt to his little son. The two of us laughed and he said "well you are a great aunt too". I told him he was a great nephew and I was so happy for him. I told him to give the baby a hug and kiss for me. As we ended the call I told him I loved him. It was the last time we spoke.
Special Sister: Clare McGlinchey
Grandfather: Kevin McGlinchey Sr.
Gravesite Details
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