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A massive crowd of family, friends and comrades gave Sergeant Shane McEvoy a fitting and emotional send-off today, 23 March, when he was laid to rest in the graveyard at St Michael's Church, Killean.
A serving member of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Mr McEvoy joined the Irish Army in 2008 where he instantly became a friend to many, something that was summed up by one of his colleagues at his Funeral Mass.
Mr McEvoy was reported missing on 13 March and an extensive search was carried out. His body was found on 19 March. The Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy conveyed his sympathies at the time: “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Shane McEvoy. This is a tragic loss for the Defence Forces family, and I want to thank all of those who were involved in the search efforts."
It was a dry but cold day, and in a beautiful ceremonial procession Sgt McEvoy's remains were accompanied by his Irish Army colleagues from his home on the Dublin Road outside Newry, the one and a half miles through the stunningly beautiful border countryside, past a touching Guard of Honour by pupils and staff of Killean Primary School to St Michael's where Fr Carlos Esteban Rojo celebrated the Requiem Mass.
In his homily Fr Carlos said: "I know that it's very difficult to bury a son, but you have fulfilled your mission, you have fastened the faith, and you have give back to God what he gave you first. The gift that was your son, you have given back to God."
In a moving tribute to his friend and colleague Sergeant John McGuigan from Aiken Barracks, Dundalk explained that Shane led the pack in everything he did. "Shane was awarded Best Recruit during training and that accolade of 'The Best' became a persistent theme throughout his decorated career. Over his 18 year career, Shane served in five units, reaching the highest levels within the organisation, and as an operator in the very top tier of the Defence Forces."
Sgt McEvoy held an all army champions badge for marksmanship and gained medals representing Ireland and the Defence Forces at international military competitions in 2013 and 2017.
Sgt McGuigan added: "He was awarded Overseas Service Medals for deployments in Kosovo and Lebanon. Shane made the hardest courses in the Defence Forces seem easy, progressing through the elite programmes, one after the other, Combat Medic, Combat Diver, Parachutist, and, of course, the pinnacle, the Special Operations Forces, qualification, SOFQ. Achieving all these while maintaining a circle of friends that stretched across all 32 counties and beyond, is no small feat."
He continued "Shane's easy going nature and his humility are a beacon for us all to carry forward. One of Shane's most notable roles was with the emergency Aero Medical Service helicopter in No 3 operations wing, where he served as a winch man involved in life saving missions every day, flying to scenes of accidents and delivering critical medical assistance. This role highlighted the very core of Shane's character, his kindness, his selflessness and his ability to perform when it mattered most. All was underpinned by his meticulous attention to detail."
Sgt McGuigan concluded "Shane's achievements and qualities are beyond measure, his ability and professionalism were second to none. He was there for all of us when we needed him. He led the way, and we were proud to follow. The truth is, it wasn't just what Shane achieved, it was also who he was to us, a friend, a brother, a son, a partner, someone you could rely on without question, and that's the part of him we will miss the most. Shane we will carry your lessons, your standards and your friendship with us for the rest of our lives, and we'll do our best to live up to the example that you set.
"863 672 Sergeant Shane McEvoy, truly, the best of us all. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Sgt Shane McEvoy's coffin was lowered down by his colleagues while members of the Defence Forces gave a final salute.
