Beloved son and dad is laid to rest as woman charged with his murder

DARREN Quigley was remembered for his ‘big heart’ and ‘jolly, cheeky little smile’ as his heartbroken family paid tribute to him at his requiem Mass on Saturday morning.

Hundreds of mourners from Carlow town and beyond, including Darren’s friends and neighbours from New Oak estate, were in the Cathedral of the Assumption to bid him a final farewell.

Darren’s parents Michelle and Tony and his brother Adam all said a few words about their beloved son and brother, while several of his friends brought gifts to the altar to reflect his many interests. Poignantly, the Offertory included a photograph of his two little girls Ava and Erica, whom he adored.

Darren (30) died in harrowing circumstances after he was stabbed four times during an incident that occurred at Market View, New Oak estate on Monday night 21 October.

A woman in her 30s, Sabrina Kehoe from St Mary’s Park, Carlow and who was known to Darren, was charged with his murder on Wednesday night when she was brought before a special sitting of Carlow District Court. A co-accused, Conor O’Brien (23) from Oakley Park, Carlow was charged with bringing weapons to a dispute.

Both are due to appear again before Carlow District Court, via video link, on 6 November for directions from the DPP’s office.

Darren’s violent death has shocked the close-knit community of New Oak and the wider Carlow area as people tried to come to terms with what happened on their own doorstep.

A post on the New Oak Estate Residents Social Community Centre Facebook page reflected how the people who knew the Quigley family felt. “His grieving parents Michelle and Tony. No parent should see their child pass before them and definitely not in such tragic circumstances.” At his funeral on Saturday morning, his mother Michelle heartbreakingly thanked everyone who supported them over the previous few days since Darren’s death.

“As a family we would like to thank you for your support through our very hard time this week. I know we can’t thank everyone individually, but there is one person we would like to thank very much and that is Pat Kehoe, who was with Darren in his last few minutes on the night of his tragic accident. So, as a family we really, really appreciate the support,” she said.

Fr Teodor Tomasik, who celebrated the Mass, acknowledged the difficult and tragic circumstances of the young father’s death.

“We are here for Darren and for you all. We ask the Lord for the best bed in heaven for Darren and comfort all of those who have lost him. Today, this ceremony is for you. We are only human and make many mistakes,” said Fr Teo.

“It is very hard to say anything due to the situation we are in. Darren was a young person who should be with us for a long time to come. Unfortunately, Darren has been called by the Lord and there is no one who can resist that call. It is that difficult time that none of us can escape. However, not everything is lost, there is hope,” he continued.

“Let us remember and pray for each other, especially for Darren and his loved ones. Let's take responsibility for each other and let's support each other. God will get you through these difficult times. Let's not stop praying for Darren and for each other.” ● Full coverage page 2