A final and fitting farewell for multi gifted and talented Marc Geagan  

The morning sun basked radiantly on the large congregation of mourners astride Dartry Mountain, Lough Melvin and St Aidan’s Church in Kinlough on Monday, for the  funeral service of the late Marc Geagan.

From Stracomer View in Bundoran, and just 48 years young when called to the great Universe above, he would have looked down with both a tear and twinkle in his eye, indicating in his unique ubiquitous way, of how he could finally prove he influenced the weather.

In another time and era, Marc may have been celebrated as a Chieftain, overlooking and nurturing all within his worldly Gaelic domain, but doubling up as a seanchaí of words, music and verse by evening.   

A few short weeks earlier, Marc had also been present in the same Leitrim church with his wife Michelle and children David, Zoe and Aoife for the funeral of his dearly beloved niece, Zara Witherow (10).

The late Marc Geagan just a few short weeks ago in the sanctuary of his home, come recording studio/music library, playing a tune  (Photo: Michael McHugh) 

Zara, no doubt, had already pushed herself to the very front of the celestial welcoming committee last Thursday following his sudden and unexpected passing.

From his home near the Finner roundabout, as the cortege made its way through the town he loved so well; from the East End, Main Street and Church Road, guards of honour from local organisations were evident, staff stood in silent respect outside the various businesses including students from St Macartan’s National School and Magh Ene College, where his three precious children attend. His last journey was certainly not alone.

Mourners gathered to pay their respects to family at the Funeral service of the late Marc Geagan (photo: Michael McHugh) 

Many fine and elegant tributes have been paid by his friends over recent days with the common theme of how his helping hand, had in one way or another, mentored, guided and shaped their own lives, musically, culturally or community oriented.

As a lecturer in music at North West College in Derry, it was his second family. 

In an age where time is always rushed, we were told that Marc had a special gift of giving his time to just about anyone else, other than himself. 

The entrance music at St Aidan’s was performed by a small group from his multiplicity of musical friends and acquaintances. 

Johnny ‘Boxtie’ Gallagher, Richard Nelson and Senan Brennan performed but hundreds of others would have equally volunteered unprompted, had there been enough room in the Church.

Fr John Pharr P.P officiated at the service with the assistance of Fr Thomas Keogan P.E. and in keeping with what Marc would have wanted, it was a simple, dignified but deeply moving and touching final farewell.  

The placing of the symbols was introduced by cousin Kerri Fergus with David (son) Zoe and Aoife (daughters) and Allanah Witherow (niece) capturing a snapshot of Marc's life which  included one of his three authored books, one of the musical CD’s that he had created with his friends; there was a poignant family photo and of course his guitar and trademark Fedora hat while performing on stage. 

There was a reading from Christian Gorney, while other dear friends Marion Fitzgerald and Niamh Currrid on Piano gave an evocative rendition with Responsorial Psalm ‘Be not Afraid’.

Another mesmerising hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’ was performed by yet another wonderful family friend, Libby Duffy from Ballyshannon with Zac Drummond on Guitar.

And as the last words and chorus echoed in the hearts of those present, and a host of other friends joined in harmony, bringing the tune to a crescendo, there was not a dry eye evident, inside or outside the Church.

Prayers of the Faithful were contributed by Killian and Alan Corcoran; a poignant reflection was read by Ronan O’Callaghan and this was followed by a special poem written about Marc, by another good musical and personal friend, Ronan Gallagher:

“The airwaves to the universe, Have taken your last note.

Your melody rings out loud, Even in the darkest void.

Your voice is carried gently, On a solar breeze.

And in the vastness of the cosmos, May you find your final ease. 

The stars weep light, They know your name. 

The brightness of your being, A wondrous burning flame.

And all the chords that you once struck, Will echo down through time.

Death holds no dominion, In the memories left behind.”

Marc’s eulogy was given by his dear friend of 30 years, Martin Farrelly, who painted a wonderful portrait of a friendship that had spanned the decades after meeting as students in Letterkenny, evolving into the creation of their first band and the many adventures they later shared. 

On behalf of Michelle, Marc's wife, he said that the outpouring of love that had been shown for Marc and the family had made a very tough situation more bearable over recent days. She had been the great pillar of strength that had fortified Marc over the years, and who loved her and his family deeply.

He recalled fondly of Mark waking him recently at 8.30am on a Sunday morning, via the phone with a voice message in the guise of a tune, joking that their friendship may have been tested to a greater degree had they lived closer to each other.  

“Marc’s impact on the musical and cultural landscape of the north west was incalculable," he said.

He spoke of Marc ability of being able “to make things happen” and the erudite intellect that was the backbone of so much of Marc's words, wisdom and witticisms, such as retorting when asked how he became a music lecturer by his friend, rapidly responding with the addendum of "award winning lecturer", before the laugh started.

There were tales of his stubbornness, but an unyielding loyalty to his friends that always endured, no matter what and his love of the poetry of Yeats.   

After the funeral service, the cortege headed over to Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan, for Cremation Service at 2.30pm.

Again music formed a quintessential part of proceedings, ending with a special message of gratitude from his wife Michelle.

Late Marc Geagan (48) Bundoran - A deeply personal tribute

He was a sponge for artistic creativity, a vacuum for spotting talent or potential and all backed up with a tenacity to achieve his goal, where others would have thrown in the towel

Predeceased by his mother Pat, brother David, niece Zara and father-in-law Michael, Marc will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken family, his wife Michelle, son David, daughters Zoe and Aoife, his father Colin and partner Elaine, sister Gina and husband Mark (Witherow), brother Paul, mother-in-law Aileen (Corcoran), brother-in-law Alan (Corcoran), his nieces & nephews Alannah, Anna, Cillian and Ethane, aunts, uncles, and all his many cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends especially in the music circle to whom deepest sympathy is extended.