Joe Erwins funeral

I wanted to attend Joes funeral in Armagh and so flew out on 13th Jan` to meet Stewart and stay with him at Joes mums house. Joe was in the front room in the coffin and people would come in and pay their respects. Everyone was lovely and it was clear to see how much he was loved and missed. Much to eveyones amazement, not a drop of drink passed anyones lips in the house that night and he wouldn`t have been happy about that!

Stewart stayed-up with him most of the night and then in the morning we carried him out of the house and out of the Crescent where the house was. I couldn`t believe how heavy the coffin was and six of us struggled with it. It then goes into the hearse and we walked behind it to the chapel. It was amazing to see all cars stopping as we went by, and the shops closing the doors and putting-out the lights. It was a nice service at the chapel and Mary, Joes mum, was at the front. We then walked behind him to the grave yard at the cathedral. We had tea and cakes in a hotel afterwards and myself and Stewart toasted Joe with a single malt. I was dropped back at the airport by Jonathon and my first trip to NI was over. All Joes family were very kind, there`s too many to mention and I wouldn`t be able to spell their names correctly!