Marian Horgan: Funeral held of mother found with fatal injuries

A mother of three who was found with fatal injuries in the kitchen of her home was on Monday remembered at her requiem Mass as a “beautiful all-rounder” with many hidden talents.

Marian Horgan (61), was pronounced dead at her family home in Murmount Avenue, Montenotte, Cork on the morning of November 23rd last.

Her only son, Paul, was subsequently charged with her murder at Cork District Court.

At Ms Horgan's requiem Mass at St Joseph's Church in Mayfield, Cork, on Monday, her brother Jim Eager said his sister provided a glowing example to him in terms of how she brought up her children.

‘Shining example’

“I always had in front of me the shining example that Marian was. Marian was a person of limitless energy and immense love.

“Those gifts that she had don’t go out of the world although Marian has gone out of our world. She will always be a real part of our lives.”

Mr Eager said Marian and his two other sisters were very fortunate to have been brought up by parents “who cared nothing for themselves” and only about their children.

He told mourners Marian continued this tradition and was kindness personified.

Chief celebrant Fr Dermot Brennan said Marian could have been a ceann comhairle, such was her efficiency and dedication in her work with local residents' associations. She was also a secretary with Brian Dillons GAA club.

He regaled those in the packed church with stories of Marian’s hidden talents, including her skills as a sportswoman.

International caps

"Probably the greatest secret that she kept was that she was a famous hockey player. Playing here in Cork first, then representing Munster, and receiving international caps playing hockey for Ireland. She didn't talk about it."

Fr Brennan said the legal secretary was a great GAA fan and “rubbed in” her Kerry roots, proudly sporting the green and gold jersey and decorating her husband’s car in the colours of the Kingdom.

He added that a number of people who socialised with Marian and her husband Billy spoke of the immense love between them and what “wonderful and happy couple they were”.

‘Home from home’

He ended the homily by saying the Horgan house was a “home from home” for many children in the area who grew up alongside the couple’s three children, Jennifer, Caroline and Paul.

A special prayer was said for Paul during the prayers of the faithful.

Ms Horgan was laid to rest at Rathcooney cemetery in Co Cork after the 11am ceremony.