A school is to be built India as a legacy to Patrick Friel Curran, the popular young Derry man who died in America during the week.
Patrick (23) died suddenly in a New York Hospital on Tuesday two days after being admitted with back pain.
In one of the biggest attendances at a funeral in Derry for many years, almost 2,000 mourners attended his Requiem Mass in Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty this morning.
Following Patrick’s death, numerous fundraising events have been – and continue – to be held to help his family bring Patrick home, far exceeding what was required.
Fr Christopher Ferguson, former curate at Holy Family, told mourners Patrick’s family were overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Derry and money raised would be used to build a school in India to his legacy.
Fr Ferguson said the kindness and generosity shown by the people of Derry was evidence of how much Patrick was loved and respected.
In an at times humorous address, Fr Ferguson told mourners Patrick was looked upon as a “practical joker.”
He said: “Paddy was a larger than life character and as a practical joker was always game for a laugh, especially using his ‘super soaker’ from a passing car.”
Fr Ferguson said Patrick’s family were “very proud” of the man he had become and his sudden death had come as “a tragedy.”
Fr Ferguson added:”The response of the people of Derry over the pass few days stands as a witness to the testimony and esteem in which Paddy was held.”
He added: “Paddy embraced life, living it to the full, always smiling and it is hoped a school will be built in India to his legacy. His light still shines and his voice is still heard.. He will always be in our hearts.”
Fr Patrick O’Kane, administrator, Holy Family expressed sympathy with Patrick’s family and friends. He said Patrick’s death at such a young age was proof of that we did not know what lay ahead. Acknowledging the number of young people in the church, he appealed to them to return.
He said: “Please come back to Mass, we miss you.”
Patrick was laid to rest immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.
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