*Seán Shannon.
SEAN SHANNON was remembered as a musician capable of lifting hearts whose talent was clear to see from an early age.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis had a younger congregation than a typical Saturday morning funeral for the county town but this gathering was for a self-taught pianist described by those in the industry as a prodigy.
Eighteen year old Sean of Connolly Villas died while holidaying in the tourist town of Bled in Slovenia two weeks ago. He became the youngest associate artist with glór in August of last year, first playing the grand piano in the foyer of the Ennis theatre at the age of thirteen
President Michael D. Higgins was among to pay tribute to the Ennis teenager, he was able to recall a performance of Sean’s from September 2018 in glór marking the fiftieth anniversary of ClareCare. “At the time, Seán was a second year student in Ennis Community College and was already distinguishing himself with his abilities, which he was sharing with a public that recognised the unique and extraordinary talent that he possessed”.
Colonel David Noone, an aide de camp of President Higgins represented him at Saturday’s funeral mass.
Cecelia and Frank, the heartbroken parents of Sean paid tribute to their beloved boy. In the eyes of Cecelia he was “a loving, kind and generous son. It’s hurting me so much that I will never see my son grow old, I’ve always said whatever makes my children happy and hope he is happy where he is now. I will try move forward from this Sean but I will never forget you, I love you so much”.
Frank acknowledged everyone that travelled to attend the mass and who has paid their respects in the last fortnight. “Sean was a beautiful child, I was honoured and privileged to know him growing up, I will always miss him”.
Fr Tom Ryan told the congregation that Sean was “a young man who died far too early”. He recalled, “on this day two weeks ago, the town of Ennis, the county of Clare and indeed the whole country woke up to the shocking news of the unexpected death of Sean in faraway Slovenia. The past two weeks have been difficult for Sean’s parents Frank and Cecilia, his siblings Samuel and Samantha and his many friends”.
He added that Sean was “a young soul who has left us far too soon. We have gathered from near and far away with heavy hearts”.
Beautiful music was a feature of the mass. “Sean possessed a musical gift that transcended notes and melodies, it was a language that spoke to our hearts that words could not convey. Sean’s music had the power to lift hearts,” Fr Ryan stated. “His fingers danced effortlessly across the keyboard,” he noted.
This talent was first identified at the Holy Family National School and was later “nourished and progressed” at both Ennis Community College and glór. “It is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the preciousness of life, Sean’s sudden death is a reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable, I would urge you to cherish your loved ones”.
Fr Ryan told the mass, “strive to honour Sean’s memory by embracing the beauty of music”.
Symbols brought before the altar included a family photo, “family is part and parcel of the story that gathers us here this morning and Sean was very much part of his own family,” said Fr Ryan, his mobile phone to mark the importance of connection, glasses to honour young life and fashion statements, a music sheet for his love and gift plus Charlie a stuffed-bear which was “very much part” of the Shannon family.
