Cyclist and devoted father Mark Flood is buried: ‘Our hearts are broken. We miss you more than you know’

New Ross businessman Mark Flood, who was buried on Thursday, was described as the best father and friend one could have at his funeral service.

undreds gathered at St Mary’s Church on the hill overlooking the city he loved to celebrate the 63-year-old’s life.

After he died in a freak accident on Sunday when his bike was struck by a gate near Ballywilliam, the town came out to say goodbye to one of their favorite sons.

Rev. Ivan Dungan said the respect Mark and his family have in the community is evident in the large attendance at the church and wake. He called on the congregation to pray for and support Mark’s mother Vera, his wife Mary, his daughters Rachel and Sarah, his sons-in-law David and David, his grandson Elliott, and their entire family.

“We are all still in shock. Five days ago, Mark was a fit and healthy man doing what he loved, riding his bike with his friends, and today we’re getting ready to hit the ground running.”

Rev. Dungan spoke about Mark’s faith and how he gave his life to Jesus many years ago.

“We mourn someone who is taken from us so suddenly, without a chance to say goodbye.”

Mark’s wife Mary and daughters Rachel and Sarah conducted the readings, with Sarah paying tribute to her “great guy” of a father.

“Dad, what should I say? You are the light of our life, our heart and soul, our rock. You were the kindest, sweetest, most loving, humble, greatest guy; simply the best dad.

“Our hearts are broken. We miss you more than you know. I cherish all the precious memories. i love you more than love Until we meet again.”

Rachel recited a poem by her cousin Juliette: “Mark, Dad. A heart as good as gold / As pure as silver and as strong as diamonds / Kindness melted down and poured into our hearts / He is forged in us all – like a ring, forever.”

Rachel added: “What a privilege to have you as a father.”

Paying tribute to Mark, Mark’s brother-in-law John said it was three years earlier that he stood in the same church following the death of his wife Sonia, Mark’s sister.

“I’m standing here in shock and feeling numb. I met Mark 50 years ago, when he was 12. He was like a younger brother to me.”

He recalled the man’s kindness and said that people were crying in the street and at the wake; such was the love of his friends and business associates for him.

“It’s just amazing the impact he’s had on so many lives. Mark’s life had many facets. He was a perfectionist in everything he did. the attention to detail.”

He remembered an organizer, someone who did things from his business at Brooks on Charles Street to family vacations.

“Nothing was ever left to chance. Mark was one of the most honest people I have ever met and probably the nicest person. He was always dressed up to the last detail.

He spoke of the strength of Mark’s marriage. “They were joined at the hip from the beginning of the relationship. Working together every day, soul mates.”

He said Mark formed a special bond with his grandson Elliott during the lockdown.

And stressed the basis of Mark’s strength of personality, his faith. “He didn’t wear his religion up his sleeve. He loved and accepted everyone.”

John said it was inexplicable what happened to Mark. “In our rational mind we can’t square this circle, it’s so painful.”

Rev Ian Cruickshank spoke about Mark’s deep faith and how he was one of the few to be present each time the church opened for prayer during lockdown when it was closed for services.

“The nice thing is that you have your memories of Mark. For his family, his work colleagues, his cycling friends, you have this affection and sadness because Mark is no longer with us.”

Scores of Barrow Wheelers cyclists stood in an arch outside as Mark was laid to rest, club jerseys draped over her shoulders.