Athlone teen remembered as 'great lad' and 'role model' at funeral

Earlier today (Thursday), relatives, friends and teammates gathered to celebrate the life of Martin Greene at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, where the 15-year-old was described as "a great young lad" whose goodness, kindness and quiet leadership touched everyone who knew him.

Many mourners wore red, in tribute to Martin's beloved Liverpool FC, as they gathered for a heartbreaking farewell to the teenager who tragically drowned in Lough Ree at Portlick, Glasson, on the evening of Saturday, July 11.

Members of Martin's local clubs, St Francis FC and Athlone GAA, wore their blue colours as a mark of respect to the boy from Brawny Close in the town.

Fr Padraig Kelliher was the chief celebrant of the Mass and was joined on the altar by Fr Shay Casey, Fr Declan Shannon and Deacon Tony Larkin.

In his homily, Fr Kelliher reflected on Martin’s character, saying: "He was a different young person to all the many young people who are here, because he was always himself. He was his own person."

Reading from tributes written by those who knew Martin best, Fr Kelliher said the words that stood out were "kind, respectful, a great captain, a person who was generous, who helped others, who helped his family, who helped his mother, who always showed a quiet word and a good sense of humour.

"He knew how to laugh, how to enjoy life and how to be happy," the priest said.

Addressing Martin's family, Fr Kelliher recalled his devotion to his mother, Yvonne, particularly after the death of his father, John, when Martin was just six weeks old.

"He was somebody who didn’t get to know his Dad. But his Dad was a very good man. Martin grew up, in a sense, as his Dad. He was there for his mother. Yvonne had that great gift of love for Martin, and he had that great gift of love in return."

Fr Kelliher also spoke about the affection shown towards Martin by his teachers and classmates from St Mary’s Primary School and Athlone Community College.

"Teachers loved Martin. Wherever he went, he drew love out of people. He was a young lad with a lovely smile who got involved, who helped out, and was goodness personified."

Martin's passion for sport was emphasised during the funeral service.

“He loved to play all sport and to get out and about. He’d come home from playing a soccer game and five minutes later he’d be back out the door to play gaelic football," said the priest, adding that this showed Martin's "zest for life".

He also reflected on Martin’s faith, noting the red and white cord of St Philomena placed on his wrist.

"In a world that is changing, Martin was his own man. He was happy to wear that cord of St Philomena," said the priest.

During his homily, Fr Kelliher also spoke movingly about Martin’s close relationship with his five-year-old nephew, John.

“John and Martin were inseparable. There’s a beautiful photograph taken only last Saturday morning of the two of them flexing their muscles. In front is young John and behind him, with a beaming smile, is Martin. They were happy. It’s a happy memory.”

Fr Kelliher also spoke about Martin’s infant niece, Savannah. "Baby Savannah, she’s somewhat like Martin. She's quiet, she's lovely and she smiles away. Martin was to be godfather to Savannah at her baptism. But he is her godfather, and he will be."

Reflecting on Martin’s final day, the priest said the 15-year-old had spent it surrounded by those he loved.

"Last Saturday, Martin was very happy. He said goodbye to his mother at the door, telling her how much he loved her. He was with people whom he loved and he was having a good time."

Addressing the many young people present, Fr Kelliher encouraged them to follow Martin's example.

"You can learn from Martin. He was a holy person, a good person, a kind person, a person who was true to himself. So imitate him as you go on. Learn from him and you will do well.

"Help others, get involved and keep smiling. In that way you will pay your true respect and give great honour to Martin."

A heartfelt tribute was delivered on behalf of Martin’s family by his sister Caroline and family member Lily, who remembered him as a loving son, brother and uncle whose life was filled with sport, laughter and kindness.

"We are gathered here today with broken hearts to remember a life cut short too soon," Caroline said.

"Martin grew into a handsome boy, a boy who had a massive passion for sport and had manners that would take him around the world and back. He had a smile and the most beautiful temperament that would light up any room he walked into."

Martin’s achievements with St Francis FC and Athlone GAA were also celebrated by his family.

"He was a brilliant player and the team captain for St Francis FC. Martin also played gaelic football and won his first trophy for being top scorer of the year."

The family spoke about Martin’s love of Liverpool FC and a trip to the club’s victory parade with his godfather Tom and cousins.

They also spoke of the special bond Martin shared with his mother, Yvonne.

"Martin was a loving son, brother, and uncle. He shared an unbreakable bond with his mother. They did everything together."

They also remembered his playful relationship with his siblings, Caroline, Peter and John, and said Martin was proud to become godfather to his niece, Savannah, and loved sharing his passion for Liverpool with his nephew, John.

Martin's relationship with his girlfriend Annie was also mentioned in the family's tribute.

"He loved his girlfriend Annie. When he was with her, he didn’t want to know us, but he will always be with you, Annie.

"We will always cherish and remember Martin’s memories. I'll never forget his beautiful eyes, that little cheeky smile and his dimple. Martin, we love you forever. You will never walk alone."

The family thanked everyone who supported them, including Lough Ree RNLI, paramedics, the fire service, the Irish Coast Guard, funeral directors, St Francis FC, Athlone GAA and Athlone Town FC.

Martin's St Francis FC coach, David Walsh, paid tribute to a player he described as a quiet leader, talented footballer, and role model. He said Martin had earned the respect of everyone around him.

"He was a son, a brother, a classmate and a teammate. He was very highly thought of by his classmates and staff at Athlone Community College, and his former teachers at St Mary’s were very fond of him too."

He described Martin as "a quiet, well-mannered lad with a smile you could never fully work out".

At St Francis, Martin earned a captaincy role through his attitude and dedication.

"Martin was a quiet leader who worked hard on and off the pitch. He never caused any trouble at training. He just wanted to learn and play football. He earned the captaincy the right way, and he was so proud to wear the armband," said David.

He also outlined Martin's humility and the way he reacted to praise.

"You might say something nice to Martin after a game and he would look at you awkwardly, as if to say, 'Are you finished yet?'

"Martin would run through a brick wall for you, but he had great self-control... Whether it was soccer or gaelic football, Martin just wanted to play. He wanted to learn, he wanted to improve and he wanted to help his team."

David finished by addressing Martin’s family: "To Martin's brothers and sister, just remember your brother was one of the best. To Yvonne, you did your very best as a mother to Martin, and raised a fine young man. Hold your head proud today."

During the offertory procession, members of St Francis FC’s Under-15 team, of which Martin had been captain, brought forward the gifts.

Michael, Thomas, Aaron, Casper, Alex and Connor carried Martin’s St Francis Player of the Year trophy, his football boots, his mobile phone, his PlayStation controller, along with the bread and wine for the celebration of Mass.

Martin was predeceased by his beloved father John, his grandparents Peter, Christopher and Christina.

He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken mother Yvonne, brothers John and Peter, sister Caroline, girlfriend Annie, grandmother Winnie, niece Savannah, nephews Thomas, Christopher and John, aunts, uncles, relatives and many friends.

Martin was laid to rest at Coosan cemetery.

May he rest in peace.