‘Soldier Sam’ laid to rest with full military honours

Mourners at the funeral Mass for Private Sam Hayden Kilroe were told this week that he “loved his life and particularly his army life” and had “found joy and given joy” to everyone he met.

During a powerful homily at the Mass for the 22-year old soldier, who passed away on Sunday night last, November 20, following a brave battle with illness, Acting Defence Forces Chaplain at Custume Barracks, Athlone and concelebrant, Fr Gerry Carroll, described the young man as “inspirational” and advised all those present in the church to “get busy living”.

Just as he had found great joy in fulfilling his lifelong wish to join the Defence Forces in 2019, the tragic young soldier was accorded full military honours at his funeral, including gun carriage, Army band, volley of shots over his grave, last post and reveille. The ceremonial elements also included a bearer party, firing party and a 30-soldier escort.

Over 90 personnel from his regiment in Athlone - the 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment - attended his funeral Mass, along with a large number of representatives from other units stationed in Custume Barracks and many of the soldiers with whom he trained and who are now stationed in units throughout the country.

His coffin was draped in the national flag and a party of pall bearers drawn from the Defence Forces ceremonially accompanied the remains of their colleague from the church to a waiting gun carriage for the journey to his final resting place in Durrow cemetery, outside the town.

In a deeply poignant gesture, members of the Army Band led the gun carriage with the late Private Hayden Kilroe's remains through the streets of his beloved Tullamore. The cortage was accompanied by large numbers of his Defence Forces colleagues who marched alongside in military uniform.

Chief celebrant at the funeral Mass, Rev. Fr. Sean Heaney, paid tribute to the many Defence Forces personnel in attendance and commended them for the "great dignity and solemnity" they had brought to what was "a very sad occasion."

Among the symbols brought to the altar to represent the life of the young soldier were his mobile phone, representing his constant communication with family and friends; a dumbell, to signify his love of health and fitness; a picture of his beloved dog, Penney, to signify his love of animals and nature; his Playstation controller, signifying his love of gaming and technology and a picture of his beloved family, whom he cherished.

In his homily, Fr. Gerry Carroll recounted a recent visit to graveyards in France and Belgium where thousands of young soldiers who died in World War 1 are buried. While there, he came across a reflection written by a soldier who survived the battle of the Somme, but whose friend perished. As he lay dying in the midst of the "mayhem and carnage" the young man could hear "an orchestra playing, a choir singing and his heavenly father calling him home."

Addressing Sam's parents, Hilary and John, his brothers Matthew and Ross and his sister, Sophie, Fr. Carroll said "Isn't it strange that this young dying soldier, in the midst of death and destruction, was not experiencing fear, not experiencing mayhem, he was experiencing an amazing peace, and he was not alone, his father was waiting. That is what Sam experienced, and he will be waiting for you. We thank God for Sam's life."

He added that every one of us will experience death, and when we do, we better be able to answer two questions "Did you find joy and did you give joy, and I have no doubt that Sam would answer both of those questions in the affirmative" he said.

Prayers of the Faithful included prayers for the "remarkable kindness, humour, life and love" that Sam Hayden Kilroe had brought to the hearts of his family; for the doctors, nurses, chaplain and staff of St. Vincent's Private Hospital who had cared for him during his illness; for all those who had gone before him, including his beloved Nanny Hayden; for young people that they may always value love, friendship and kindness and for the many kind neighbours and friends who had supported the family throughout Sam's illness.

Mourners were also told that Sam Hayden Kilroe's family and friends had many names for him, including "Sambo, Samson, Sam I Am and his own personal favourite which was Soldier Sam."

Sam's grandfather, Tom Hayden, read a short communion reflection, a poem called "The Life That I Have" by Leo Marks which he poignantly told mourners he had also read "less than six months ago" at the funeral Mass for his wife and Sam's beloved grandmother, Joan. In a faltering voice, he bid a final farwell to his adored grandson with the heartbreaking words "Sam fly high, and remember you will never grow old, you will be forever young, and we will always love you."

Among the many glowing tributes paid to the late Sam Hayden Kilroe this week was one from Killina Secondary School, who described their past pupil as the "definitive gentleman, always friendly, always kind" who quietly got on with school in his own "self-possessed, unassuming, genial manner" and whose presence "illuminated and enhanced so many lives."

Dochas Offaly Cancer Support Service described him as "a remarkable young man" who, only three weeks before his death had organised a Halloween fundraiser that has raised almost €15,000 to date for Dochas. "We hope Sam knew the difference this will make to so many people and so many families in the Midlands and we thank his from the bottom of our hearts for his incredible kindness and generosity" the statement said.

The Irish Defence Forces also paid a touching tribute to their colleague, who qualified as an Artillery Gunner while he was stationed in Athlone from 2020 to 2022, where he provided vital support to the HSE and other agencies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Despite his career being tragically cut short by an illness he faced bravely, his sense of humour, kindness and willingness to always lend a hand to his colleagues will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of serving with him" the tribute read.

May he rest in peace.