The demise of Sarah McNally has “left us all stunned,” as per the sermon at her funeral service. “Absolutely none of us wanted to attend this occasion,” stated Father Michael McGrath during the Monday morning service at St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford.
Sarah, a 41-year-old originally from Longford, tragically lost her life following an altercation at her place of work, a bar in New York, on Saturday, March 30th. Her partner, Marcin Pieciak, is facing charges for her homicide.
Having spent over a decade living and working in New York, Sarah was employed as a barmaid at The Céilí House in Queens. “Sarah’s tragic passing has cast a shadow, particularly over her loved ones: her mother Dorrie, father Des, her grandmother Kathleen, as well as aunts, uncles, other relatives, her more distant kin, and the numerous companions she had, both locally and across the Atlantic,” expressed Father McGrath.
Despite it being a time to anticipate the positivity of Easter, Father McGrath recalled, “the alarming cries of sirens on New York’s street signified an ominous and unwelcome event.“The shock and rage of disbelief in the week following her departure from us has plunged us into confronting a variety of dark feelings.”
Father McGrath remembered Sarah’s christening and the “radiance” she gifted her family in December 1982. “Those fondly remembering Sarah recall a spirited young lady who relished life and her motor vehicles, especially her notably loud, modified cars,” he said.
Her former coworkers recall her as a pioneer of online shopping before it reached mainstream popularity. “A routine office job in the civil service was bound to fall short in providing the kind of thrill she sought. It was inevitable that she would eventually spread her wings internationally.”
Sarah’s persona was “fearless and giving,” Father McGrath added, with a deep-seated “love of laughter and enjoyment.” “She leaves behind a legacy of joy for life and the present darkness from her loss, cannot erase all the positivity. In reality, it only accentuates the sweetness of the memories.”
A Grand Jury in New York has officially indicted Sarah McNally’s boyfriend, charging him with her murder.
Queens resident, Marcin Pieciak (36), of 76th Street, Glendale, has found himself under arrest following a stabbing that took place at his workplace, a bar in Queens, on Saturday, the 30th of March. Charges have been raised against Mr Pieciak including second-degree murder and two instances of fourth-degree illegal possession of a weapon. He is due to present his plea in court by the 19th of April.