THE people of Kerry and West Cork turned out in force yesterday, lining the roads in silent homage, to pay an emotional tribute to Garda Aidan Cremin, from Beaufort, as his remains were brought from his base on the Beara Peninsula home to Killarney.
A garda based in Castletownbere, Aidan’s sudden death last Tuesday caused widespread shock and sadness in both counties and the very high esteem in which was held was evident when people gathered to pay their respects as the funeral cortege wound its way through the scenic West Cork and South Kerry countryside.
In a moving post on social media, Aidan’s good friend, John Crowley, said it was a very emotional day for so many people and the high regard in which Aidan was held was very obvious.
People stood in silent tribute as the hearse, headed and flanked by his garda colleagues, passed through Crookstown, Adrigole, Glengarriff, Castletownbere, Eyeries and Kenmare before reaching Killarney.
Pupils of Trafrask National School released red and white balloons as the cortege headed for Adrigole GAA field where passionate GAA man Aidan had spent so much time playing and coaching.
“Every single doorway, driveway, roadside and footpath was full of people who had turned out as a mark of respect to a guy who they loved and held in such high esteem,” said John.
“Nobody else only Aidan would have got away with Kerry flags flying in Cork and Cork flags flying in Kerry,” he added.
Pal John added: “With so many people, including guards of honour and tributes along the route, it made the journey so amazing and heartwarming for Aidan’s mum and family. They really must feel so proud of Aidan”.
Garda Cremin’s funeral will take place in St Mary’s Church in his native Beaufort next Monday.
In accordance with Government and HSE guidelines, and in the interest of public health, the Requiem Mass will be private but it will be live streamed on Monday morning at 11.00am on https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/Beaufort-Parish-104623611529722/. The service will be followed by burial in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery, Killarney.
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