A HEARTBROKEN mum has been plunged into mourning again after receiving a phone call informing her of the death of her fourth son.
Mourners told how “no parent should have to go through that” as Christine Kavanagh opened up on the pain that comes with losing four sons and told how two of her children died this month.
Damien Kavanagh died in Wales earlier this month[/caption]
Dillon Kavanagh sadly died on this day last week[/caption]
Tributes have poured in for both Dillon, 30, and Damien, 36, from Gurranabraher in Cork city after their tragic deaths this month.
Dillon died last Thursday night of a suspected overdose whilst Damien was found dead in a flat in Cardiff, Wales on January 6.
Mum Christine said Damien had moved to Cardiff in 2019 to escape the drugs scene in his native city, two years before his brother Leon, 31, succumbed to drug addiction in 2021.
The brave mum’s story of sorrow began in 2016 when her son Ross, 31, collapsed and died of an epilepsy-related condition.
Speaking to Opinion Line Producer, Paul Byrne, on Cork’s 96FM, Christine praised her family and community for the support they have provided to her, particularly in the last fortnight as she has endured the unimaginable loss of two of her sons.
She said: “I would like to stop these drug dealers giving drugs and taking our children. These dirty drugs are after killing my son – my sons. Poor Ross died from epilepsy.
“If any dealer can hear my voice this morning please stop doing it. It just has to stop.”
The heartbroken mum added: “I don’t think I can take any more. Our hearts are crushed. Our world has ended.”
A notice on RIP remembered Dillon and Damien as the “dearly beloved” sons of Terry and Christine, cherished brothers of Dean, Aisling, Simone, Chloe, Nathan, Ryan, Alána and the late Ross and Leon.”
It said the Dillon would be sadly missed by his parents, family, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and a “large circle of good friends”.
Tragic Damien was remembered as the “dearly beloved” dad of Deon and Kelvin, with the notice on RIP adding: “Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, family, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephew, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours in Cork and Wales and a large circle of good friends, especially Michael Twomey.”
Both men will be laid to rest following a shared requiem mass in St Mary’s on the Hill Church at 10am on Saturday, with a funeral afterwards to St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully.
‘MY HEART IS BROKEN FOR YOU ALL’
Damien and Dillon’s family have asked for donations, if desired, to go towards the Kevin Bell Trust – which aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the bodies of loved ones.
Mourners have paid tribute to the tragic brothers, with one mum telling Christine and Terry that she “cannot begin to imagine the pain” that they are facing after losing their four sons.
She said: “My hope for you is that you feel their presence with you every day. No one person should have to endure so much sadness.
“I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and pray you find some inner peace, knowing their suffering is over is some small bit of solace for you I’m sure. Nothing can harm them anymore.”
Another mum added: “My heart is broken for you all. Sending love strength and courage to all who love Dillon and Damien.
“What handsome men they are. May they now rest in everlasting peace. I will remember you all in my prayers.”
Mourners told how Dillon was a “lovely boy”, describing him as “mannerly and always smiling”.
A tribute to Damien described him as a “great friend” with a “heart of gold”.
