A young woman who drowned while trying to save her son in a Co Cavan lake last week will be remembered as a hero and angel, her father has said.
Speaking at the funeral of Natasha Core (29) at the Church of the Holy Family in Loch Gowna yesterday, Kevin Mooney said his daughter's dedication to her sons, Tyler and Leighton, would forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those closest to her.
“She was a loving mum and she made her family proud,” he said. “When you were down, she put a smile on your face and she made you happy. She’s a hero to Tyler and Leighton and she is an angel. She is my hero and she is my angel.”
Ms Core jumped into Loch Gowna at around 8.30pm last Wednesday after seeing her son struggling while out swimming. She then got into difficulty on what is regarded locally as a dangerous stretch of water after helping the boy to safety. Her body was later recovered.
A guard of honour featuring many of Ms Core’s friends and neighbours, as well pupils from St Patrick’s National School in Loch Gowna, lined the roadway into the church grounds.
Symbols of Ms Core’s life including a candle and a paint brush were offered up as gifts, the latter representing her “house-proud” nature.
Her eldest son, Tyler, brought a picture of his mother to the altar while his brother carried a phone.
“I don’t think either needs an explanation,” said celebrant Fr Michael Bannon. “She was either on the phone listening to music or talking to people very regularly.”
In acknowledging the assistance provided by locals and members of various emergency services during the search for Ms Core last Wednesday, Fr Bannon said her commitment to her two sons would not be forgotten.
“It is the image of her walking with Tyler and Leighton, whether it was going to or coming back from school, whether it was bringing them for a walk or going shopping,” he said.
“They are the images of a loving mother always walking with her children and talking to them as they walked along. It’s an image of care, warmth and affection.”
As Ms Core’s coffin was carried from the church, the song The Wind Beneath My Wings played. She was later buried in the adjoining cemetery.