A man named Michael (Mikey) Farrelly, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident in Baldoyle, Dublin, last Wednesday, had recently accomplished his longtime goal of recording his own music album just weeks prior to his untimely death. Being in his 40s when his life was cut short, Mikey was on his way home from a family gathering around 1am on July 17th when he was struck by a stolen vehicle that was abandoned subsequently by its inhabitant(s).
At the memorial service in Carnaross, County Meath, Conor, Mikey’s younger brother, extended a warm welcome to the attendants. He admitted that the past week had been a nightmare for them, but the solidarity and support of their friends and family members had been a soothing comfort. Conor described his relationship with his elder brother, how Mikey had seen his role as a protective older brother as a full-time job. Conor recalled his youth when he would request Mikey to buy him four cans of beer for a covert beach outing with his friends, to which Mikey would manage to supply only two, deeming four as excessive.
Conor asserted that the concluding weeks of Mikey’s life were undoubtedly his happiest. He recalled how Mikey had realised his big dream of recording his own songs for an album just a week before the accident. The studio director had shared with Conor the sheer joy and exuberance that Mikey had felt during the recording process. Mikey had recently serenaded his family on his guitar at a family dinner, which had made Conor incredibly proud of him.
Mikey, the beloved son of Philip Farrelly and the late Sylvia Farrelly, hailed originally from Sutton. He was the cherished brother of Conor, Lucia, Philip, Noirín, and Tom.
A large number of mourners attended the funeral Mass of Mr Farrelly at St Ciarán’s Church, Carnacross, which lies between Meath and Cavan. Many had to listen to the service over loudspeakers set up around the churchyard, as the church was at full capacity.
The chief officiant of the funeral Mass was Mr Farrelly’s uncle, Fr Peter Farrelly. Fr Farrelly fondly remembered his late nephew, speaking of the deep discussions they used to have. He warmly commented that “there was something quite unique and lovely about Mikey”, describing him as “gentle, kind, and caring”.
Mr Farrelly was laid to rest next to his late mother in the Carnaross cemetery.
The police are of the belief that the person driving the car, a young individual previously connected with car theft and known to the police, was the one who knocked down Mr Farrelly. It has also come to light that there was contact between the police and individual or individuals in the stolen car prior to the incident involving Mr Farrelly. However, they failed to pull over when ordered by the police.