Conor Browne’s tragic death was ‘unexpected and completely unnecessary’

Mourners at the funeral of Conor Browne who died following an attack in have heard how his death was “unexpected and completely unnecessary”.

Parish priest Fr Paul Fraser told those gathered at St Francis of Assisi Church, Drumnabey that the father-of-one was an “incredible human being” whose tragic death had “united our community”.

The 28-year-old from Strabane died following an alleged altercation outside a bar in Castlederg earlier this month.

Two men have appeared in court charged with murder. One was remanded in custody while the second was released on bail.

During the Requiem Mass on Monday, Mr Browne, the youngest of five children, was remembered for his “infectious smile”.

Fr Fraser recalled Mr Browne’s desire from a young age to “drive tractors, lorries and any kind of machinery at all – he was farming mad” adding that “being outdoors was his passion”, he was “never happier than when he was out and about driving”.

The priest also told mourners that “positivity and optimism defined Conor Browne and was part of the reason that everybody loved him”.

“He worked hard and then at the weekend he enjoyed socialising with his many friends,” he said.

“One of the things he loved to do when he was with them was karaoke and jiving and he had no doubt that he was brilliant at both, his friends had a different opinion.

“It wasn’t just his family that loved Conor, everybody who met him loved him.

“Conor would have said in his words that they loved him because he was so good looking.

“But we know it was actually because he was an incredible human being, good looking of course Conor, but also filled with joy and positivity and kindness.”

But Fr Fraser said that on the night Mr Browne died, “the streets of Castlederg witnessed an act of senseless brutality…”

He praised the “dignity…shown throughout this past week” by the Browne family who had given “great courage to us as a community as well because we had to follow your lead, hurting as you were”.

The priest added that “in keeping with his wishes, as he lost his battle for life, some of his organs were donated for transplant”.

“This man who had his life violently taken away from him, by contrast offered a new lease of life to a complete stranger – a real hero.” he said.

Fr Fraser also spoke about the vigil held in Castlederg last week to remember Mr Browne.

“I think Conor’s family felt wonderfully supported by friends and neighbours and strangers from Castlederg and beyond,” he said.

“The community gathering in the Diamond on Wednesday was inspirational.

“Everybody that was there will never forget the minute of silence and all we could hear was the birds singing, such contrast to the sounds of Friday night into Saturday morning.

“The silence was overwhelming and the outpouring of love and support for Conor’s family and friends reminded us that good is more powerful than evil.”

Fr Fraser added that “in his 28 years of life, following the journey begun in baptism, Conor lived the life he wanted to live – doing good, spreading joy”.

Following the service, Mr Browne was laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.

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