“Whenever we have a death like Stephen’s, we’ve had so many of them, so many young deaths over the past years, you always hope that this will be the last one.
Addressing mourners at the 31-year-old’s funeral in St Mary’s Church, Melmount, Fr Michael Doherty said there have been many deaths like Mr Holmes’ in recent years, adding he hopes it will be the last one.
“But there always seems to be another, no matter how many young people gathered here today, and have done so for other funerals over recent years, and make a plea not to let it happen again.
His sister Zara thanked medical staff, including paramedics, Altnagelvin staff as well as ICU doctors and nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for “working tirelessly to save Stephen’s life”.
“He’s been brought to burial long before his expected time, even though for the past few years he hasn’t enjoyed great health, he’s had his health problems and he has had other issues for which his family gave him whatever support and help that they could.
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