Heartbroken partner of Kyle McDermott pays tribute to ‘soulmate and best friend’

THE heartbroken partner of Kyle McDermott led tributes to her "soulmate and best friend in the world" at his funeral Mass.

Chloe McGonagle bravely delivered an emotional eulogy to Mr McDermott at the end of Requiem Mass at St Aengus' Church in his native Burt, Co Donegal, on Sunday.

She told mourners that his "gentle soul was way too much for this world."

Hundreds of mourners packed into the church for the Mass which was presided over by Curate, Rev Paddy Baker and concelebrated by now retired Strabane parish priest, Declan Boland, while many more stood outside.

Twenty-four-year-old Mr McDermott, a native of Castlecooley in Burt, had been living with his girlfriend in Ballymagorry.

He died following an altercation in the Victoria Road area of the village last Sunday night, October 6.

He passed away at Altnagelvin Hospital in the early hours of the following morning and a man has since been charged with his manslaughter.

Addressing mourners, Chloe said the pair had fallen "in love instantly and were inseparable ever since".

"No time in the world would ever have felt like enough together and no words could describe the love we had for each other," she said.

“You made me the happiest girl in the world, and I hope I made you just as happy.

"You made every day brighter just by being in it with your infectious smile and hilarious sense of humour. There wasn't a day you didn't have me laughing.

‘Kindest heart’

"You were one of a kind with the purest, kindest heart.

"You cared so deeply for everyone in your life and would have done anything to help anyone."

The congregation heard that his family, who he idolised, meant "the absolute world" to Kyle and everyone he met adored him and "nothing but the nicest of words to say."

Chloe added that his parents, Stephen and Claire, had raised "a talented, caring, genuine, hardworking, beautiful soul" who was passionate about his work.

"Even though your talent was amazing at everything you did, you always stayed so humble about it," she said.

"I hope you are driving the best rubber duck up there and K-Mac Construction is thriving.

“Thank you for always looking after me, being there for me through thick and thin, being my biggest supporter and showing me what unconditional love feels like.

“We had so many plans for our future together and had our whole lives ahead of us but your gentle soul was too precious for this world and all I can do now is try and make you proud.

“I am beyond grateful that you came into my life and had the honour of being loved by you."

She said Mr McDermott will be "missed and loved every second of every day" and she would cherish the memories they made together.

"Please watch over us all until we meet again. Rest now in paradise my angel," she concluded.

Poignant gifts

During the service, the readings were read by Mr McDermott's sister, Stephanie and Godfather, Paul, while a digger was one of the poignant gifts brought to the altar.

Rev Baker told mourners: "It's been a sad number of days for the McDermott family, and indeed for the bigger family here in the parish of Burt, because we are so devastated by the loss of Kyle's life; the way he died so suddenly and tragically."

During his homily, the clergyman said Mr McDermott was "one of the most purest, kindest, gentlest souls you could ever deserve to meet."

He also spoke of his great talent for driving diggers having "learned everything he knew from his daddy."

"From the day he was born he always had a big, infectious smile on his face. He lit up every room he went into," Rev Baker said..

"He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

"He met the love of his life, Chloe, in Liverpool and from that day on, they never left each other's side.

"Kyle's passion in life since he could walk was to drive a digger and he's one of the best digger drivers around here, I'm told, with a talent no-one could match.

"His dream was to own his own business and he was going to call it K-Mac Construction.

"Kyle was loved by everyone he met. He had the kindest heart with the biggest smile."

The priest described the late 24-year-old as a "a humble young lad", adding that his artistic talents shone through in his many sketches.

"He was a man of many, many talents and could put his hand to anything," the priest said..

"Kyle was an adoring family man and his mammy's blue-eye boy."

Offering his and Fr Boland's sympathies to the family, Rev Baker said: "It has been a very tough week for all of you and looking on, it's very hard to put into words the grief you must be feeling to lose someone so tragically and so suddenly.

"We pray for the happy repose of his soul. I've no doubt he will enjoy the fullness of life with God in heaven."

Following Requiem Mass, Mr McDermott was laid to rest in Burt Cemetery.

He is the cherished son of Stephen and Claire, beloved partner of Chloe, much loved brother of Stephanie, Arden and Sheehan, dearly loved grandson of Ellen and the late Packie Mallon and the late Phonsie and Annie Mc Dermott.