The funeral of Ollie Heslin, who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident last weekend, heard his last act of love was taking part in a charity motorcycle run to raise funds for children with special needs.
The devoted father-of- three, of Castleroe, Maganey in Kildare had been taking part in a charity motorcycle run last Saturday for Carlow’s Holy Angels Day Care Centre for children with special needs when a car collided with his bike outside Kilkenny city.
A man has since appeared in court charged with dangerous driving after the 42-year-old’s death.
At his funeral Mass in The Church of St Laurence O’Toole, Levitstown, parish priest Fr Aidan Kierans, told mourners - including Ollie’s heartbroken wife Sophia and their three daughters Amelia, Elodie and Isabella his parents Mary and Mick, brothers Colm, Terence and Fergal, as well as his extended family - that Ollie “was taken from us in a moment of catastrophe.”
“A moment that has shaken us all to the core and our thoughts ever since are with his wife Sophia, his daughters and his family,” he said.
“Ollie was so loved by his own family, extended family, community, work colleagues and friends and was so popular that there has been a great sadness in the air the last few days that he died in such tragic circumstances,” said Fr Kierans.
“He was a wonderful man who touched so many lives and was a shining example of how a husband and father should be. He died before his time and this day has come far, far too soon.”
“His last act of love was to take part in a social and charitable event to raise money to look after children with special needs,” said Fr Kierans.
Ollie had worked with Netwatch in Carlow for the last seven years and had been promoted to communications hubs manager earlier this year.
Among the symbols brought to the altar to represent Ollie’s life included a family photo which represented what Ollie valued most in life - his family.
A seat box to represent the joy Ollie found working outdoors was also among the symbols as well as a Leinster rugby jersey, hat and scarf to represent his love of rugby.
A motorbike magazine to represent his love of bikes and travelling was also brought to the altar as well as a corner chisel to show his creativity and a campervan guide for the joy he had going on trips in his campervan with Sophia and their daughter..
One of Ollie’s brothers thanked family, friends and neighbours for all their support over the past number of days and thanked them for sharing their stories of Ollie.
Following the funeral Mass, Ollie’s remains were cremated in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
