A body was recovered off the coast of Clare on Sunday evening. However, formal identification had to take place before it was confirmed it was Conor’s body.
Conor Harrington has been missing since Wednesday
The heartbroken family of Galway student Conor Harrington, who had been missing for two weeks, have said their “hearts are heavy” as they confirm that his remains have been identified and share details of his funeral.
Conor (20), who is originally from Monaghan, had been missing since Wednesday, October 15, when he was last spotted close to the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge in Galway at around 9.20pm.
Air, sea and land searches took place in recent days as rescuers desperately tried to locate the young college student.
A body was recovered off the coast of Clare on Sunday evening. However, formal identification had to take place before it was confirmed it was Conor’s body.
His heartbroken family have now announced that a funeral Mass “to honour and lay to rest our beloved Conor” will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 2pm in St Joseph’s Church, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan with burial afterwards in St Joseph’s Cemetery.
‘Conor will rest privately on Friday evening for family and close friends to say their goodbyes,” the Harrington family wrote in an emotional statement on social media on Wednesday evening.
“We will never forget the kindness, compassion, and solidarity shown by so many during these heartbreaking weeks,” the family’s statement continued. Every message, prayer and act of support has been a light in the darkness and we are deeply thankful.”
In an earlier statement, Conor’s family thanked all those who helped in the search operations these past days for their “tireless efforts, professionalism, and compassion have meant so much to us.”
“The community of Galway rallied to help search crews in their efforts, walking the shores, brought and operated drones, dived in the waters, shared posts and made meals.”
“In the meantime, we wish to express our heartfelt and profound gratitude to everyone who has helped in the search for Conor over these past days and nights.
“Our sincere thanks go to An Garda Síochána; the RNLI; the Irish Coast Guard; Civil Defence; Boyne, RockCorry and Limerick Dive Clubs and The Scouting Unit in Carrickmacross.
“The Oranmore Maree Coastal Search and Rescue Team, whose tireless efforts, professionalism, and compassion have meant so much to us. And to the Nox Hotel, for their kindness and generous support throughout these difficult days.
“To the countless volunteers – friends, neighbours, and strangers – who walked the shores, brought and operated drones, dived in the waters, shared posts, made meals and stood beside us through the long days and nights: please know that your compassion and dedication have touched us deeply.
“This message serves as a preliminary note to acknowledge the recovery and to thank everyone involved,” the family’s earlier statement said.
“From the depths of our hearts, Deirdre, Cian, and I, together with Conor’s extended family, want to say that your kindness, strength, and solidarity have carried us through the darkest of hours.”
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