The funeral of Cork mum-of-two Paula Canty heard she had ‘a kind heart and good nature.’
Ms Canty was laid to rest earlier this morning at the St John the Baptist Church in Kinsale. The 31-year-old was found stabbed to death in her flat on Bridewell Lane, Mallow on Friday, January 3.
A murder investigation was launched after Gardaí obtained the results of a post-mortem examination, which confirmed Ms Canty died as a result of foul play.
Chief mourners at the mum-of-two’s funeral included her heartbroken mother Sinead, dad Paul, her children Alyisha and Aoibhe and her siblings Darragh, Donna, Latoya, David and Rianna, aunts and uncles and friends.
A floral tribute to Paula Canty in the hearse at St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale for her funeral
(Image: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision)
Parish Priest Fr Robert Young told mourners there is a great sadness Paula’s family is carrying, and it is not natural that a parent should experience the murder of a son or daughter.
“It is not the natural scheme of things that a son or daughter should die before their parents, and it is certainly not the natural scheme of things that a parent should have to experience the murder of a son or a daughter,” said Fr Young.
“It is heartbreaking to think about it, to see you carrying your pain. We want to acknowledge your grief, your sadness and your heartbreak.”
“Paula had her struggles, her difficulties, her wrongdoings, but who hasn’t,” said Fr Young, adding that “Paula had a kind heart, she had a good nature, she loved cooking, she was very artistic, she was likeable, she was courteous.”
Some of the symbols brought to the altar represent Paula’s life.
This included a family photo representing Paula’s many happy childhood years, a bunch of flowers representing Paula’s work as an aspiring florist when she worked in a flower shop in Kinsale, and a tracksuit representing Paula’s love for designer clothes.
Sports clothing that she frequently borrowed from her many friends was also displayed, as was a sample of paintings of her creative and artistic skills, which revealed a world offering glimpses of her inner light and resilience, and a cookbook representing Paula’s love of cooking.
Paula’s two daughters Aoibhe and Alyisha brought a make up set to the altar reflecting Paula’s artistry with makeup and highlighting the beauty she was deeply recognised.
Following Requiem Mass, Ms Canty’s remains were buried in St Patrick’s Cemetery in Nohoval near Kinsale.