The courageous and hopeful spirit of a father who tirelessly tried to find his missing son for over two decades has deeply moved the nation, attendees at his funeral mass have been told. Michael Deely, a father of four from Naas, Co Kildare, previously from Loughrea in Galway, became a public figure following the disappearance of his son, Trevor Deely, who was 22 at the time, in December 2000.
Trevor mysteriously vanished after his workplace’s Christmas party, with CCTV footage last capturing him by the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road, Dublin soon after 4am on December 8th, 2000.
Fr John Brickley, speaking at the Church of Our Lady and St David in Naas on the following Saturday morning, said Michael had left a profound impact on the public through consistently participating in numerous media callouts over the years in attempts to locate his son.
Fr Brickley revealed that on the previous evening, people on the radio expressed admiration for Michael’s bravery and how he had deeply left a mark on and warmed the hearts of the country.
He further mentioned the outpouring of sympathy messages on Rip.ie, from families and individuals who, despite never meeting him, had prayed for his family for years. Many lauded him for his compassionate assistance to other families enduring a similar plight.
Fr Brickley also emphasised that Michael, accustomed to engaging with the media from his employment at Bord Bia, ensured that his son Trevor became a name recognised in every home.
His unparalleled courage demonstrated the strength of human spirit in challenging circumstances, acting as a beacon of inspiration. This steadfast man was the pillar and gently led his family and those who could possibly aid in finding Trevor.
Fr Brickley highlighted that despite the hardship of a missing child, Mr Deeley and his life partner, Ann, enjoyed many joyous moments in their existence. He affluent praise for Michael’s devotion to his progeny and the immense delight he got from each of his nine grandchildren’s arrival. He proposed that to respect his legacy, we should persistently keep our hopes up, regardless of life’s challenges.
His granddaughter, Megan, talked to the congregation during the Mass about how her grandfather, even after leaving the western part of Ireland for Kildare, continued to advocate for Galway. To her, he epitomised the essence of a gentleman, untarnished and genuine.
She reminisced about his love for the Gaelic Athletic Association and how he paid close attention to every match. She recalled his precision in predicting the outcome of games, often saying phrases like ‘Curtains to Galway’ or ‘Goodnight to Kildare.’
The final Christmas they shared with their grandfather will always be etched in their hearts, Megan said. She painted a vivid picture of that night, a night when Michael serenaded them with ‘Fields of Athenry’ after their feast, his eyes sparkling with delight, his voice full of enthusiasm.
So, ‘Curtains to Galway’ and ‘Goodnight to Kildare,’ she said in her loving tribute, ‘We adore you, Grandad, may you rest in tranquillity.’
Following a 10am mass, Mr Deely was interred at St Corban’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers, attendees were solicited to make a contribution to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, if they were so inclined.