THE FUNERAL MASS of Mary Holt, who was killed in an attack on a house in Edenderry that also took the life of her great-nephew Tadgh Farrell, has heard she was a woman whose life was “quietly shaped by care”.

Crowds gathered at Saint Mary’s Church in Edenderry, Co Offaly, for Ms Holt’s funeral this afternoon. Tadgh’s funeral was held at the same church during the week.

Colleagues of Ms Holt’s dressed in scrubs as they formed a guard of honour outside the church. Ms Holt had worked as a carer at Ofalia House, a care home in Offaly.

Father Greg Corcoran told mourners: “We gather once again with heavy hearts. Mary’s passing, like Tadgh’s, has came too soon, in a way that feels unfair and deeply painful.”

Mary Holt and Tadgh Farrell. Gardaí Gardaí

Fr Corcoran said Ms Holt, who was killed at the age of 60 on 6 December after her home was attacked, began working in the old local hospital when she was 15.

“Never one for the spotlight, but at the bedside: helping, comforting, noticing the small things. That kind of work tells us a lot about a person.

“You don’t become a carer unless you have patience, compassion, and a generous heart. Day after day, year after year, Mary showed up for others when they were most in need.”

He said there are very few people locally who “haven’t experienced the love, the care, and attention of the staff of Ofalia House”.

Health care workers and colleagues of Mary Holt walking into Saint Mary's Church, Edenderry Co Offaly. Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie / © RollingNews.ie

Fr Corcoran said Ms Holt’s death leaves a “an empty place”, and said “grief today may feel mixed with shock, anger, confusion, and deep sadness”.

“That too is part of love. We grieve because Mary mattered.”

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the fatal petrol bomb attack on the house in Offaly. Tadgh’s grandmother Pauline was also injured in the attack and was treated for her injuries in hospital.