Mourners told: “Now you’ve five more angels in heaven to accompany you”

The funeral of those killed in a fire at an apartment in Clondalkin last Wednesday morning has taken place in Shankill.

Fr John O’Connor made reference to similar tragedies that have struck the families involved, with the brother of Anne Marie O’Brien (27), who died in the Clondalkin blaze, losing his life in a fire in the past.

The families also had ties to the 10 people who lost their lives in the Carrickmines fire in 2015.

Speaking to mourners, Fr O’Connor noted the strength within the traveller community, saying: “Without doubt you are God’s toughest soldiers and you can be sure that you’re alone in the battle of life”.

He continued: “Christ himself is always with you and now you’ve five more angels in heaven to accompany you and help you to bear the cross.”

The deceased arrived at the church in Shankill in three hearses – the first carrying Anne Marie O’Brien (27), her daughter Paris (3) and her unborn child AJ.

The other hearses carried the coffins of Holly (3) and Jordan (4), whose mother Biddy O’Brien remains in critical condition in St James’ Hospital.

Holly and Jordan’s father, Jamie accompanied the coffins as they were removed, and from the alter Fr John O’Connor said he had spoken with Jamie yesterday.

“I spoke with Jamie and he told me how much Jordan and Holly loved their mammy and how much she loved them,” he said

“Jamie is obviously deeply upset by the death of his two beautiful children but is happy that they’re together with God. They are together and not alone, and that is very important for Jamie.”

Once the funeral had finished a burial took place at Springfield Cemetery in Bray.