‘Tsunami of sadness’ as ‘Joe’ is laid to rest in Rostrevor

The funeral of Darren 'Joe' Rooney took place on Tuesday.

An “extremely sad afternoon” fell upon Rostrevor on Tuesday as the funeral of Darren Rooney, known to many as Joe, took place.

Mourners gathered at Star of the St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church to hear tributes paid to the 45-year-old, who died as the result of a road traffic accident in Mayobridge.

The collision took place shortly after 6am on Friday. Police say they received a report of a collision at Hilltown Road involving a male pedestrian and a grey coloured Audi A4.

Mr Rooney sadly passed away at the scene.

“It’s a day where words fail many of us but this vast crowd joins with you this afternoon to support you as best we can,” said Fr Des Mooney.

“Dark clouds of grief, deep pain, loss and utter sadness swirl all around us in this church this afternoon.

“The shock of Darren’s untimely death, that tragic accident… has brought a heartfelt sense of devastation to all of you.

“There is also something unutterably sad about the news that we all came to hear and indeed for one part of Darren’s family circle, the Morgan clan, today brings what we can only call a tsunami of sadness that they have had to stoically cope with these last few months.

“Many of us watched cities around the world set off fireworks, lighting up the night sky, with a blaze of light and an explosion of noise as the New Year, 2024 was welcomed.

“And yet here in Rostrevor we were gathered in doing something quite the opposite. We gather to mark the end of something very precious - Darren’s life and time amongst us.

“We are all confronted with Darren’s, and for many who knew him, Joe’s, very sad, unexpected and untimely death.”

Fr Mooney, expressing how popular Mr Rooney was, added, “There wasn’t a man, woman or child in Rostrevor, or indeed further afield no doubt, who didn’t know Joe.”

A funeral notice said Mr Rooney was the “partner of Kathrina and loving son of Teresa and the late Danny Rooney R.I.P. Beloved father of James, Jake, Mollie and step father of Aimee-Lee. Treasured brother of Gary and Conor, Step son of Richard Russell and son in law of Marian, grandson of Maureen and the late Jimmy Morgan R.I.P and the late Cissie and John Rooney R.I.P.”

More in this week’s Newry Reporter.