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Yesterday was the funeral of Captain Mark Duffy, who died when Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter crashed off the coast of Mayo a few weeks ago, and President Michael D. Higgins was in attendance.
The president looked visibly moved when a lone bagpiper led the hearse through a guard of honour to St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock, Co Louth, but it was a photo of him hugging the young son of Captain Duffy that shows us why we love Mickey D so much.
Captain Duffy had a wife of 17 years, Hermione, and two children, Esme and Fionn.
At the service, Captain Duffy's uncle Father Stephen Duffy said this is more than a family tragedy; it is a community catastrophe, reported the Irish Times.
He said his nephew was kind, humble in spirit and pure in heart, and a man with a terrific sense of humour, which was clear through the symbols brought to the altar in memory of him: wedding bands, a trio of rings he gave to his wife for her 40th birthday, cards his kids made for him, and his helmet.
The Journal reported that immediately after the service the president spoke to and comforted Hermione, Fionn and Esmé. Here's the touching pic of him hugging Fionn:
Moving picture in the Irish Times. President Higgins comforts the son of Coastguard pilot Captain Mark Duffy at his Dad's funeral. #R116 pic.twitter.com/tq06g2QPg9
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) March 31, 2017
“His family was his whole world, he was so proud of them,” said Mark’s friend, Coast Guard colleague Ed Shivnen, in his eulogy.
RIP Mark Duffy.
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