by Keith Clarke 

Local man Owen McKenna (40) who was killed in the devastating earthquake in New Zealand, on Tuesday had previously specified his wishes, to be buried on home soil. Owen who leaves behind two children was a psychiatric nurse and lived in Christchurch with his wife Sarah McKenna and two young children Grace 7 and Tadhg who turns 4 tomorrow.

The family of  Mr  McKenna said that they were “hoping against hope” that he would be found safe and were following the reports of the fatal quake which devastated Christchurch.

Fr. Sean Nolan said “Owen was working in England for a while and then moved to Saudi Arabia where he met his future wife and moved to New Zealand about seven years ago. The McKenna family who would have a “deep sense of faith” and would be “very grateful for the time they had” with Owen. “So there is a deep sense of gratitude” - Fr Nolan  “Owen was a very out going man who was involved in music, football, heritage, Irish dancing  and very much a part of the community.”   

Mass will take place at the Sacred Heart Church, Carrickroe at 11am on Saturday.