The funeral mass for Paula Canty, a mother-of-two who was tragically found dead in her Mallow apartment earlier this month, took place at St John the Baptist Church in Kinsale. Mourners gathered to remember Canty, who was described as kind, artistic, and caring by Fr Robert Young, who led the requiem mass.
Fr Young expressed the profound grief that comes with losing a child, calling it a heartbreaking and unnatural experience. He acknowledged the pain of Canty’s family, stating, “To lose a son or daughter is a particular kind of grief… it is certainly not the natural scheme of things that a parent would have to experience the murder of a son or daughter.” He also offered his deepest sympathies on behalf of the Kinsale parish to Canty’s family and friends.
During the service, Fr Young highlighted Canty’s many qualities, noting her kind heart, good nature, love of cooking, and artistic flair. “She was very artistic. She was gentle. She was likeable. She was courteous,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact she had on those around her.
The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Canty’s children, Alyisha and Aoibhe, as well as her siblings, friends, and relatives. The gifts included her artwork, a cookbook reflecting her passion for cooking, family photographs, a makeup set, a tracksuit, and flowers symbolizing her time as an aspiring florist.
Canty was buried at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Nohoval following the mass.
The 31-year-old, originally from Kinsale, was discovered dead in her upper-floor flat on Bridewell Lane, Mallow, on January 3, just days before her 32nd birthday. The tragic discovery prompted an investigation, and Joe Butler, 42, from the Belfry in Mallow, has since been charged with her murder.
Family, friends, and the wider community continue to mourn Canty’s untimely death, remembering her for her warmth, kindness, and creativity.
