The family of the late Joey Forker extends ‘heartfelt thanks and appreciation’

Joey Forker’s family have expressed deep gratitude to those who offered support during their difficult time. 

Joey was involved in a tragic accident involving machinery at the family's home in Meenmore on Friday, August 22. 

The nine-year-old was the middle son of Joe and Audrey Forker and was a pupil at St Crone’s National School. Joey's month mind mass will take place on Saturday at 11.00 am in St Crona’s church, Dungloe.

McGlynn Funeral Directors shared an acknowledgement from Joey’s loved ones. “The family of the late Joey Forker, his mother Audrey, father Joe and brothers, Jason and Jordan, extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported us during our devastating recent bereavement; Emergency services, An Garda Síochána, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Paramedics, Fr. Pat Wand and all who attended the scene.

“We are truly grateful and appreciate all who sympathised with us. We thank you all who sent mass and sympathy cards, who left messages of condolences online and in person, and the floral tributes sent to our home. A special word of thanks to all those who travelled long distances to be with us. All who kindly brought food to the house, Sharkey's Top Service Station, Pizza Max Dungloe, Gallagher's Foodstore Gweedore, Hookd Coffee, Paidi Oigs and the Waterfront Hotel Dungloe. All who helped in any way, we thank you.

“A very heartfelt and special thank you to the pupils of Scoil Chroine, Dungloe, who performed a guard of honour at the removal and all who lined the streets from the funeral home to Joey's home in Meenmore.

“To Fr. Pat Ward, who gave our son his last rites, we are so grateful for your presence and the peace you brought to our family during this extremely difficult time.

Thanks to Fr. Séan O’Gallachóir and Fr. Brian O’Fearraigh P.P., Derrybeg, for calling to the house and all blessings. Martin O’Donnell, we deeply appreciate all you’ve done; your efforts brought us comfort when we needed it most. Patrick McLaughlin, SIGNZ for the beautiful stickers. Wild Atlantic Flowers, Gweedore, for their beautiful wreaths. Brid Winni,e thank you for the photos and for sharing those beautiful memories.

“Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Johnny Moore P.P. and the concelebrating priests for the lovely Requiem Mass. Their support during this time was very much appreciated.

Fr Moore thank you for including Joey's older brother, Jason and younger brother Jordan, to participate in the funeral Mass by assisting with the incense.

Their involvement brought comfort, and we are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and compassion during our time of sorrow.

“Thank you all for honouring Joey's short life by attending the funeral. A special thanks to Shannon and Fr. Séan O’Gallachóir for doing the readings and to the cousins for the prayers of the faithful, and to Pauline Glackin for the beautiful music throughout the mass.

“We are so grateful and thankful to James Coll, Joey's Godfather, for writing and delivering a beautiful eulogy in Joey’s memory. To Lee and Jamie for organising all of Joey’s favourite cars. To each and every person in Paidi Oigs who provided food and refreshments after the funeral.

“A very special thank you to Shaun McGlynn, funeral director, along with Josie Gallagher, for the professionalism and dignity with which they carried out the funeral arrangements while supporting our family through this journey. Your patience, understanding, kindness and attention to detail made a challenging time more bearable. Thank you also to the gravediggers, Padrag McGee & Son of Magheragallon Cemetery, for preparing Joey's final resting place alongside his Nana and Papa Friel.

“As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and gratitude at this sad time.”