THE FUNERAL HAS taken place in Co Down of Seamus Ruddy, one of the Disappeared who was murdered in France 32 years ago.
Ruddy was laid to rest alongside his mother and father in his hometown of Newry this morning.
In his homily, Bishop John McAreavey described how traditional practice of holding a wake for the dead for three days after death is “deeply embedded” in the Newry area, and “reflects the desire of the wider community to grieve and to show support for the bereaved”.
This was a ritual that had been denied to the Ruddy family, the bishop added.
“His death represented the snuffing-out of a life that had many wholesome qualities,” McAreavey said.
A family account of that time refers to letters and phone calls from Seamus, visits to him and plans to visit. And then, there was nothing.
The bishop said that last week “Seamus’ family and friends welcomed him home to Newry”.
They were finally been able to do what they always wanted to do: to have a wake, to celebrate a funeral Mass for Seamus and to say a personal and dignified farewell to him through the funeral liturgy. And in the months and years ahead they will be able to visit the grave where Seamus lies.
Ruddy’s remains were uncovered by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) on 6 May after four days of searching.
The Newry-born teacher was abducted from Paris in 1985 and it is believed he was murdered by Republican group the INLA.
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