Fitting farewell for Billy

“For everything there is a season; a time for meeting, a time to say goodbye.”

These words from the lyrics of the song May the Road Rise to Meet You, sung at Thursday’s Funeral Mass of Billy Clare, could not have been more profound. Billy’s unexpected death on Saturday, October 3, in Mullingar shocked all who knew him.

His untimely passing is particularly devastating for his beloved partner Jacqui, with whom Billy spent so many years. He moved from Rushe, Co. Dublin, to Mullingar 26 years ago, and they made their home together in Ashfield. They had a lovely network of friends, all of whom were deeply touched by the sad news of Billy’s death.

Born in 1964, Billy was someone who had a deep appreciation of nature and animals. Gardening and ornithology were his pastimes, and he recognised the different chirping in his garden. A pet lover, he adored his dogs, Guchi and Coco, and his fish.

Billy enjoyed life and was grateful for the simple things. Singing, nice food, music, movies and the company of good people all whetted his appetite. Humour stirred him, and he liked sharing funny moments with his family and those closest to him. He will be remembered for his cheeky wit and friendly disposition, while he was also a kind-hearted and generous person.

Housework and cooking never came as chores. Billy shared the daily duties with his beloved Jacqui, and he was comfortable in his own space. They enjoyed travel and the good times the years together gave them.

Symbols at his Funeral Mass included gardening tools, a photograph of him and Jacqui, a cookbook, a symbol of his love of Laurel and Hardy comedy movies, and a bird book. There was also a symbol for his love of pets.

Billy loved music and song, and Christmas carols engrossed him. His many friends from Mullingar gathered in the Cathedral of Christ the King to bid him farewell, and there was a sense of sadness among them. The poignant and powerful lyrics of Time to Say Goodbye seemed the perfect farewell song.

Later, Billy’s friends and family gathered in Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar, where a fitting farewell ensued. Stories were shared and songs were sung. It was sad, but beautiful too. There was a time for meeting all those years ago; this was the evening to say farewell. And a timely reminder of the importance of good friends in a life that is short and fickle. The moving lyrics of some of his favourite songs like Will Ye Go Lassie, Go, Grace and Caledonia rang out. You could hear a pin drop. Emotion took over at times; there was meaning to every word.

Billy will be very sadly missed and always remembered by his beloved partner Jacqui; sisters Maura, Bríd and Noeleen; brothers Joe, Richard, Pat, Anthony, Gerard and Brian; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Jacqui’s mum, Kay, and her sisters, Fidelma and Amanda; his nieces, nephews and many friends.