Over a thousand people, including many dressed in Prison Service uniforms, graced the funeral of Derek Martin, a prison officer, which took place at Our Lady of Victories Church located in Glasnevin, Dublin.
Mr. Martin, who spent his professional hours in Wheatfield Prison’s library, tragically lost his life in a motorway accident on the M50 with a truck on May 17th, a Friday. During the funeral rites, Fr Frank Reyburn, the parish priest of Our Lady of Victories, devoted some kind words to those who had provided immediate solace to Mr Martin post the accident.
The main bereaved individuals present at the ceremony were Vanessa, Mr Martin’s wife, and his two children, Caitlin and Reece. Derek and Ethel, his parents, along with his sisters – Michelle, Jennifer, and Helen, also attended the ceremony. The funeral was attended by Caron McCaffrey, the director general of the Irish Prison Service and various other top-ranking officers and service heads of the Dublin region. The entirety of the funeral mass saw two prison officers standing guard behind Mr Martin’s casket, which was shrouded in the national flag. An avenue to the church saw a lining of over 50 motorcyclists prior to the mass.
During the eulogy, Mr Martin’s confidant, Noel Kelly, recalled his immense love for his family, inclusive of three sisters, and his parents, Derek and Ethel. Mr Kelly praised Ethel for encouraging Derek to embrace a healthy lifestyle, which eventually helped him shed half his weight. As per Mr Kelly, being a dutiful family man, Mr Martin took pleasure in visiting Disney theme parks with his daughter and accompanying his son to football matches. Described as ‘the most amazing husband ever’ by his wife, Mr. Martin would ensure that every Saturday, when his wife returned from work, she was welcomed by a clean house, fresh pyjamas, and a prepared meal.
“Derek was famed for his amorous nature, which Vanessa gladly received,” he stated. “He was never short of something to say. Occasionally he might speak before thinking – Derek was nothing if not unfiltered and he never sought forgiveness for this,” he remarked.
His former prison service colleagues also dedicated moving tributes to Mr Martin’s diligent work, noting that he always kept track of whenever an inmate finished a book and immediately ensured that a new one was prepared.
Before Fr Reyburn delivered the final blessing, the assembly rose to their feet and filled the space with the anthem of Liverpool Football Club, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.