A family has been hit with a double tragedy after a husband and wife died on the same day.
Professor Liam Fogarty passed away last Tuesday after a short illness and just hours later, Mary died after a long health battle.
And because of coronavirus restrictions on gatherings, the family was not allowed to have a full funeral.
A memorial Mass will be held at a later date for the couple, who were originally from Blackrock, Dublin, but lived in Maynooth, Co Kildare.
It is not thought either death was linked to coronavirus.
Family and friends left poignant messages for the couple online. One read: “Together in life, together again in heaven.”
Fr Liam Rigney, Athy Parish Priest, wrote: “Lord rest Liam and Mary. I so feel for you at the death of both your parents.
“The death of any loved one at any time is so difficult. Their deaths during the coronavirus pandemic is so much more heartbreaking.
“I think it is a blessing that they passed away together and that they are together again forever with each other and Sinead.
Liam and Mary’s granddaughter Sinead Condron, 16, died in a road crash in 2011.
TD Bernard Durkan told Dublin Live last night: “It’s particularly tragic [when] two people go together.”
Liam was an Emeritus Professor at UCD.
Former colleagues also paid their respects to the couple’s daughters, Fiona and Sharon.
Dr Aiden J McLoughlin, formerly of the Department of Industrial Microbiology, UCD, wrote: “Sincere condolences to Fiona and Sharon.
“I have known Liam for a very long time - since he joined the Department of Industrial Microbiology during Professor Kuster’s stewardship in Ardmore.
“His contribution to the development of the department and to microbiology will be remembered long into the future.”
Elm Park Golf and Sports Club chairman, Seamus Ryan,wrote: “On my own behalf and on behalf of the Club Captains, Management Board, Committees and Staff, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Liam Fogarty and his late wife Mary.
“Liam was an Honorary Life Member and for many years served the Club with distinction as Honorary Secretary and Chairman of the Greens Committee.
“The Club benefited hugely from Liam’s work and his input was greatly valued.”
“He will be sadly missed as a loyal member and friend.”
