THE SISTER of 35-year-old Miriam Reidy, who died after a suspected gas leak at a Co Cork hotel believes her younger sister died so that she could live, mourners heard yesterday.
Patricia Reidy was found unconscious in the room of the Trident Hotel in Kinsale in which her sister died after a suspected build-up of carbon monoxide gas a week ago yesterday.
The women, who are from the Co Limerick village of Ballyhahill, were in west Cork to celebrate their first cousin Marie Reidy’s hen weekend.
Hundreds of mourners packed the small Church of the Visitation in Ballyhahill yesterday for the funeral Mass.
Patricia Reidy, who survived the incident after spending 24 hours on a ventilator in Cork University Hospital, was unable to attend yesterday’s Mass but their cousin Seán read out a letter she wrote to her younger sister. “You had the biggest heart a person could ever have and I honestly do think you have given your life so that I could live on and that is what I will do for you,” Patricia wrote.
In the poignant tribute the 37-year-old recalled the special relationship the sisters shared and how they were there for each other from their first days at school to their first days working at AIB bank.
“Even at work we were able to keep in touch and be there for each other. I’m going to miss your smile and your style and I’m really going to miss you. You were a giver in life. I hardly had to look at something and you would let me borrow it or wear it.
“I love you Mir and I always will. You will always be with me in my heart. May you rest in peace now sweet angel Miriam.”
Miriam’s eldest sister Siobhán Reidy told mourners how her parents “loved and idolised” their three daughters. She recalled how Miriam, who is survived by her partner Pio, loved shopping, music and her home in Tralee.
“She was a very happy, contented, settled and laid-back person and brought a lot of happiness to those who knew her well,” she said.
Mourners were led by Miriam’s mother Josie and father John.
In his homily, parish priest Fr Gerard O’Leary said it was a day “that was to change the Reidy family’s life forever” and alluded to the even greater tragedy that could have occurred had Patricia not survived.
Large crowds accompanied the cortege on Miriam’s final journey to Kilfergus cemetery in Glin where she was laid to rest.