O’Connor family laid to rest as Louth mourns tragic loss
By ArdeePost Reporter
Heartfelt tributes paid as Mark, Louise, and Evan O’Connor remembered at emotional funeral in Dundalk
The town of Dundalk came to a silent standstill today as three hearses bearing the coffins of Mark O’Connor (54), Louise Doherty O’Connor (56), and their son Evan O’Connor (27) made their way to St. Patrick’s Church for the funeral of the much-loved family.
The O’Connors were found dead at their home in Drumgowna, County Louth, last week in what has been described as one of the most heartbreaking tragedies to ever strike the local community.
Inside a packed church filled with family, friends, and neighbours, Fr Gerry Campbell led the funeral mass, describing the past week as a time of “unimaginable sorrow” since the news of the tragedy first emerged.
“So much has already been said about them — so many wonderful words of admiration, affection, and sorrow,” he said. “They were a family deeply loved and highly regarded, not just here in Dundalk, but far beyond it.”
‘A Family So Deeply Loved’
In a deeply moving eulogy, Cian O’Connor, the surviving son of Mark and Louise, paid an emotional tribute to his parents and his brother Evan.
“No words can truly reflect how we all feel — how I feel,” Cian said through tears. “We are hurting, all of us. It may take an age to come to terms with, and a part of us may never heal. But my family would want us to celebrate their lives, to remember the good times and the love they gave.”
Cian spoke warmly of his parents’ enduring love and their devotion to Evan, who had autism. He told mourners how his father Mark, after years working in Dundalk’s TSM factory, made the courageous decision to return to education.
“He started from scratch, retrained, and graduated from DKIT, where he was awarded the President’s Gold Medal,” he said proudly. “He did it to build a better life for us and went on to become a champion for people with intellectual disabilities across Ireland.”
Cian remembered his brother Evan as a “spark of joy,” full of energy, music, and laughter.
“His smile lit up every room,” Cian said. “He loved his colourful shirts, his odd socks, his skinny chips, and his bus rides to Dundalk and Drogheda. He made friends everywhere he went — and made us all feel at home.”
He also shared cherished memories of their nightly ritual — waiting for Evan to change the date on the family’s block calendar at midnight.
“At the time, it felt frustrating,” Cian smiled, “but because of that, we stayed up together longer, we laughed more, and we talked more. Without knowing it, Evan gave us more time as a family — and now I’m forever grateful for that.”
Remembering Louise’s Warmth and Generosity
Cian described his mother Louise as a woman of warmth, compassion, and endless kindness — always putting others before herself.
“She loved to talk to everyone, and people always felt heard,” he said. “She volunteered teaching English to Ukrainian refugees and found joy singing with the Local Vocals choir — her perfect escape.”
Louise’s love for 1980s pop music, particularly the band A-ha, also drew a fond smile from the congregation, as Cian recalled her following the group’s concerts across Europe.
Prayers for Robert
During the mass, prayers were offered for Cian’s brother, Robert O’Connor (31), who remains in custody charged with the murders of his parents and brother.
Fr Campbell told mourners that Robert had been under mental health care since his early twenties, and that his family’s compassion and forgiveness in the face of tragedy was a “powerful Christian witness.”
“We pray that Robert may find peace,” Fr Campbell said. “It is a deep prayer from his family — and from all of us gathered here.”
The priest also used the moment to call for greater awareness and investment in mental health services, echoing Mark O’Connor’s lifelong advocacy for those in need.
“We cannot bring them back,” he said, “but we can honour them by ensuring no other family has to walk this road alone.”
‘Go Now and Be at Peace’
As the service drew to a close, Cian shared one final message of love and farewell.
“Mum, Dad, Evan — we love you,” he said. “You spent your lives looking out for us and making others smile. Now it’s our turn to look after each other. Go now and be at peace — together, always.”
Following the emotional service, the O’Connor family were taken for private cremation, as the community of Louth and beyond united in grief and remembrance for a family whose love, kindness, and spirit touched so many lives. the coming weeks, with formal public consultation to follow once the application is lodged.