Tragic Offaly man's smile 'could light up any room'

THE funeral took place this afternoon (Sunday, March 29) in Edenderry of Christopher Holt who was found dead last week in the same house which was fire bombed in December resulting in the deaths of his sister Mary and grandnephew Tadgh Farrell.

Christy Holt's remains were located upstairs on March 24 following an early morning blaze in the already partly burned out house in Castleview Park.

At the Mass in St Mary's Church in Mr Holt's home town, Fr Greg Corcoran referred to the late Mr Holt by his nickname 'Crunchie' telling the congregation that was the name by which he was probably best known.

Gifts presented during the Mass included a blue Everton scarf, with Fr Corcoran joking that it was “not Laois”, a local newspaper and some tobacco.

A moving eulogy was read by the deceased's niece Pamela who described him as a loyal friend.

READ NEXT: 'Fly high' - Tragic final days of man found dead in Offaly house where sister died

“His quick wit and infectious smile could light up any room,” she said.

She recalled that Christy was 18 when he set off to London and then returned “because he lost his daddy”.

“I remember it well, he came home surrounded by all these beautiful women and met the beautiful Marcella in London. I knew he was punching but he was lucky to have met Marcella who was crazy about him. They had two beautiful kids, Jack and Marcella and now has a beautiful grandson Leo who unfortunately he didn't get to see but can for ever watch over them all now.”

Pamela also spoke about Crunchie's close friendship with a local man, the late Ger McBride, who went by the nickname 'Smell'.

She said Crunchie and Smell were inseparable: “They were like an old married couple, they bickered, fought, laughed and cried together.”

She added: “I think Crunchie lost a piece of himself when Smell passed away. His heart seemed so lost. Christy was the most lovable, kindest, caring person you could meet.”

Pamela also said: “Though Christy's time with us was cut short, the impact he made will last for ever. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.”

She mentioned the man's sister Mary who died in the fire caused by the arson attack on the evening of December 6 last.

“Now I know Mary won't be too happy to see him so soon, I can see her now, 'Not this red fecker',” she said, remarking “sorry Father”, to Fr Corcoran.

“But I know Smell is there with open arms and open cans so we know you'll be at peace,” she said.

The 57-year-old was buried in St Mary's cemetery, the same graveyard where his sister Mary (60) and grand nephew Tadgh Farrell were interred. Another sister, Pauline, was hospitalised as a result of the fire.

Christy Holt was predeceased by his parents Micheál and Peg, sisters Caroline and Mary and brother-in-law Pat.

He is also survived by his son Jack, daughter Marcella, grandson Leo, brothers and sisters Michael, Johnny, Margaret, Declan, Pauline and Brendan, their husbands, wives and partners, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.

While a murder investigation is still ongoing following the deaths of Pauline Holt and Tadgh Farrell, foul play is not suspected in relation to Christy Holt's passing.

Gardai said they were investigating “all the circumstances” of the fire.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on the body of Christy but gardai said for operational reasons they were not releasing the results.

They are preparing a file for the coroner.