Heavy rain portrayed the sadness of a family who lost their only daughter and sister following an allergic reaction to a coffee she drank while on holidaying in Japan.
Aika Doheny, 23, from Greensbridge St, Kilkenny city had travelled to Japan to visit family but unfortunately became seriously ill earlier this month when she drank what is believed to have been a soya based coffee.
Ms Doheny, was a former Presentation Secondary School student and was a degree and Masters student at the National University of Ireland Galway where she became a research assistant.
Read More: Tributes flood in for 'bubbly' Irish woman who died after reaction to coffee
It is understood that several efforts were made to ease the allergic reaction she had to the drink with the use of an epipen but unfortunately the effect was limited and she was rushed to a nearby hospital in Tokyo.
The young woman remained in an Intensive Care Unit in the Japanese hospital and efforts to repatriate her home from Japan by medical air ambulance succeeded.
However, Ms Doheny passed away at St James’s Hospital during the week after being flown home by air ambulance from the Japanese city.
Her Funeral Mass at 10.30am at the Church of St John the Evangelist in Kilkenny City heard on Saturday that the symbols of the holy water, Easter candle, bible and crucifix reflected her life.
Her oak coffin was adorned with a floral wreath of red roses and a piano soloist played as her remains were carried into the church by her two brothers, family members and close friends.
Her brothers in their eulogy revealed that Aika was “a very kind person, and a very good sister, She loved everyone. We were very lucky to have a kind and loving sister. She was the heart of our family".
Her youngest brother Cian Takya said: “I’m the youngest of the family and since I came into this world I’ve only known it to be one with Aika. Being the youngest I had the habit of being a bit spoiled. It was Aika who pointed out all my flaws without hesitation.
“In the afterlife I’m sure Aika is there so there is no-one more entitled to eternal happiness. She was headstrong and hard working, Aika often said I was like a miniature version of her, I hope she was right as I want to be just as kind, caring and clever as she was. Aika wasn’t just my sister, she was my best friend, role model and I’m going to miss her forever.
Fr Dan Carroll who celebrated the Mass told mourners in his sermon: “This was Aika’s Parish Church where (her late) father Paul and mother brought her for her Baptism a day of celebration and now to mourn the passing of (the) lovely young Aika - a very good friend of so many people here. A young woman, daughter, sibling, granddaughter, niece and very good friend. We come in pain and anger, doubt and confusion.”
Other symbols were placed at the Church altar in Aika’s memory, which included christening candle as a symbol of her baptism in christ, a photograph of Aika with her later father Paul to remind mourners that she is safely back in his arms and Aika’s kimono to symbolise her love for her Japanese culture.
A photograph of Aika to symbolise the love her family have of her was also offered as a symbol, a DVD how much she loved the world of animation, a CD showing her love of music, dance and party, a scroll to represent her academic achievement with her degree and masters from UCG, her racing togs from Kilkenny Swimming Club and flowers representing the love of her many friends.
Mourners heard: “On behalf of my colleague Fr Raymond Dempsey and all in our parish community I again welcome you to St John’s Church for the Requiem Mass for Aika Caoimhe Donnelly. We come here this morning with hearts torn apart with grief as we say farewell to our beautiful Aika.
“Aika was a wonderful member of her family and of the larger family, our local community and of the families she made in the various places she lived, especially in Galway and in Tokyo. It does not seem right or proper that Aika has to be taken from this world so soon.”
They listened to the words of Fr Carroll revealing: “We gather in great numbers today to support Aika’s beloved mother Mayumi and her brothers Paul Makoto and Cian Takuya. We think of and pray for her heartbroken grandmother in Tokyo, her aunts, uncles, cousins in Japan, Ireland and the USA, her extended family, neighbours and her many dear friends.
“This is a horrible time for all of you and we gather around you to offer our support and our humble prayers. We come without answers, we too are asking why, why should this befall us, the death of our friend has shocked us to our very core. Our pain is greater because the Aika we knew and adored was such a bubbly and enthusiastic and happy person who was always positive and friendly.
A glimpse was given into the young woman’s personality. “She was a delightful young lady full of plans for the future. She was full of energy and had an amazing personality. She had a constant smile that lit up every room she entered. It’s so hard to come to terms with her leaving us at this time. She will be gladly welcomed by her,” it was revealed.
“We might learn from Aika’s death, that life is short and death will come like a thief in the night. We should always be ready, always be prepared. Like Aika we should use our giftedness to the fullest. Live in peace and harmony with others and to make the most of this short life. We should always cherish what we have.”
The young woman was cremated in a private ceremony following her Requiem Mass in Kilkenny.
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