They have asked for enmities to be put aside as hundreds expected at tomorrow’s funeral
(Image: Irish Mirror)
The family of tragic Scarlett Faulkner have called on the community, who will gather to lay her to rest in Limerick tomorrow, to show respect for her memory – and leave any enmities outside of the church and graveyard.
Even as they grieve for the young mother of one, who lost her battle for life in Cork University Hospital on Monday, Scarlett’s family have said the funeral should be about her memory and their loss, with respect and unity shown from all who attend. And they have asked that those who may have grievances against others present to ‘pass each other by’ on the day, for the sake of their lost sister and daughter.
Hundreds gathered outside the home of dead woman in Limerick yesterday evening to release purple, gold, pink and white balloons in a moving tribute to her life.
The emotional vigil came as Scarlett’s family made a heartfelt appeal for those attending her funeral to set aside any differences and come together in respect.
The 28-year-old, from Limerick, had been on life support at Cork University Hospital for three weeks after suffering catastrophic injuries in a brutal roadside attack on the R494 near Birdhill on March 21.
Her devastated family, who kept a constant bedside vigil, confirmed she passed away on Monday evening.
Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, music was played through speakers as the balloons were released and Scarlett’s life was honoured by a crowd united in grief.
As her heartbroken family prepare for her funeral on Mass on Friday morning in St Munchin’s Church, Clancy Strand in Limerick, her family have asked those in attendance to set aside any differences they may have.
In a heartfelt and emotional message shared on social media, Scarlett’s heartbroken sister Victoria relayed a request from her dad asking those attending the funeral and wake to put their differences aside and “pass each other.”
She also requested that mourners refrain from bringing alcohol to the funeral and wake.
“My father asked me to pass on a message to say that if anyone’s fighting coming to the funeral and they are not getting on with each other, could you please pass each other for Scarlett and the day that’s in it,” said Victoria.
“It’s just that we’ve had the hardest three weeks of our life and we are suffering as it is with the loss of Scarlett. God love her and her lovely soul.
“But it’s just that any families that are fighting, please, I beg of each of ye to pass each other for the day that’s in it,” Victoria continued.
“And also no alcohol to be allowed, no drink whatsoever can be allowed at the funeral and wake, please we don’t want any trouble at all at the funeral.
“Thanks very much,” said Victoria.
Earlier, Victoria paid an emotional tribute to Scarlett saying she will “cherish our memories forever.”
“I’ll cherish our memories forever, my last hug and kiss of you. I promise you sister I’ll bring Oceanna to see you every day. I’ll do everything for her just like you’d want.
“I love you with all my heart and soul. I can’t explain the way I feel right now knowing I’ll never see you walk in the door to me and sit down and smoke a fag.
“I’ll miss you every minute of the day. You will always be my best friend and my big sister. My heart inside me is broken in one million pieces. How will I ever say goodbye to you.”
Scarlett, a respected member of a Traveller family from Limerick county, was brutally beaten by a group armed with weapons at the side of the R494 in Birdhill.
A woman and a 16-year-old girl, who have been charged in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett.
The motive for the savage assault remains unclear.
She was found by emergency services with catastrophic head injuries on the side of the road.
She is believed to have been attacked by one or more people armed with weapons at around 5.30pm on the Saturday.
Gardai are working on several theories regarding the assault, including that innocent Ms Faulkner may have been travelling in a car that was rammed by a group in another vehicle, dragged from her car, and attacked with implements at the side of the road.
Detectives at Nenagh Garda Station are continuing to investigate the attack.
