Carlow unites in grief as ‘little angel’ Indie Mai is laid to rest

CARLOW united in grief and solidarity with a heartbroken family on Saturday as they laid to rest their beloved little girl, described as “another angel in Heaven”.

Indie Mai Byrne died tragically last Monday at her home in Ashfield, Blackbog Road, Carlow, just days away from her 12th birthday.

Her devastating death has shattered all who knew and loved Indie Mai, none more so that her mother Caroline, sisters Ellie and Lia, grandparents Mickey Joe, Geraldine and Damian and her best friend Paul.

In a truly inspiring show of love and strength, Indie Mai’s mother, sisters and aunt Sarah delivered a deeply moving eulogy at her funeral Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption. Dressed in pink and wearing hair bows in tribute to Indie Mai, they spoke of a “beautiful, kind, funny and bright” little girl, one in a million, gifted with “the ability to light up every room you entered”.

They expressed their enormous pride for the wonderful little lady Indie Mai had become and how her arrival almost 12 years ago was “the final piece of the puzzle; our family was complete”.

“Nothing we can ever say will make sense of this, Indie Mai, but know this: you were loved so deeply that if our love could have saved you, you’d have lived a hundred lifetimes.” Caroline also had a touching request for the large congregation.

“As a mother, I ask you to help turn my pain into pride and I invite you all to stand and join in celebrating the life of my beautiful daughter and sister with a round of applause.” The response was immense and heart-rendering, the applause lasting several minutes as Carlow wrapped its collective arms around the Byrne family.

Indie Mai’s death has had a profound impact on the wider community of Carlow, her classmates and school, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, St Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club, where Indie Mai was a talented athlete, having recently represented the club at the Leinster Juvenile Championships, her beloved dance school, Niamh Fitzpatrick Ballet Academy, where Indie was a beautiful and much-admired ballerina, wider family members, friends and, indeed, a town left bereft.

All week, tributes had been pouring in for Indie Mai as people struggle to come to terms with her loss.

Hundreds gathered in the Cathedral of the Assumption for the funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr Yanbo Chen, CC, Carlow Cathedral who, as chaplain at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, knew Indie Mai, describing her as a bright, inquisitive, caring child, who brought so much joy.

“This is a sad day for us all, the loss of a little angel. We have gathered in this special place because we have faith and we have to trust that Indie Mai is in a better place … this is not the last chapter for her,” he said.

Addressing the congregation, Fr Yanbo remarked: “This week, we are filled with sorrow, confusion and questions. Questions that weigh heavily in our hearts: why did this happen? how could it happen? And these questions are in the hearts and minds of Caroline, her family and all who loved Indie Mai and echoed in our community and the country.

“We struggle to find answers to something that is beyond answers. This morning is not about trying to find answers to questions, because even if we could, no words would ever be enough. Today, we are here to mourn and to commend a beloved and adored daughter into the loving hands of God. We are here to ask for his strength, not only today but in the days, weeks and years ahead.” 

In his homily, Fr Yanbo spoke of the “deep ache in our hearts, because Indie Mai was a light in this world, a child full of light, laughter and joy”, and the “unbearable pain” of her loss, which “feels unnatural and unjust”.

“For those left behind, especially you, Caroline, this loss is too heavy to bear; your heart is broken that no words, no condolences can ever fully mend.

“Caroline, your love for Indie Mai will never fade and is not lost. Your arms are empty today, but the bond between mother and child is unbreakable and Indie Mai remains with you forever,” said Fr Yanbo.

The Mass reflected the love surrounding Indie Mai. The congregation heard of her many interests and activities, from hair bows to slick-back buns, running, dancing and the huge impact she had on so many.

Symbols representing her love of life were brought to the altar, including a family photo, her prized possession – a Stanley cup, her running spikes and singlet from St Laurence O’Toole’s and her first ballet shoes and dance academy hoodie.

The family spoke of the memories they have of Indie Mai, which they said they will “cherish forever”.

Concluding, Caroline said: “God may have you in his hands, but you’ll always be in my heart. You are one of Heaven’s angels now, my perfect little star, and when you shine, Indie Mai, the whole world will see how beautiful you are.” Indie Mai’s remains were led from the cathedral to the sound of Forever Young, sung by Clara Hutchinson, accompanied by Fiach Moriarty.

Burial took place afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Carlow.

Indie Mai is survived by her mother Caroline, sisters Ellie and Lia, grandparents Mickey Joe, Geraldine and Damian and her best friend Paul, her great-grandmother Mary Dooley, aunts Sarah and Eadaoin, uncles Mikey and Mark, cousins, extended family, relatives and her circle of friends and classmates.