Mother of man who died in Ballina fire 'overwhelmed' by community support
Dusan Ivan, RIP
The mother of a man who died tragically in a fire in Ballina told mourners at his funeral that she was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support the community had given their family at this difficult time.
Dusan Ivan (40) died following a fire at a residence on Tolan Street earlier this month. The Slovakian native was a popular figure in the local community and was a highly regarded member of staff at the Castle Late Night Venue in Westport where he worked as a security guard. He had previously worked in a fish factory in Killala and he had lived in Ballina for the past 17 years.
His funeral mass took place at St Muredach’s Cathedral last Thursday morning and was attended by members of Mr Ivan’s family who had travelled from Slovakia, his colleagues from the Castle as well as members of the local community.
Symbols were brought to the altar representing aspects of his life; a weight-lifting belt and gloves symbolizing his passion for the gym, a CD of rapper The Game symbolizing his love for rap music, a Slovakian national flag symbolizing his love for his country and a security jacket and badge representing his job as a bouncer.
Celebrant Fr Aidan O’Boyle told the funeral mass that Mr Ivan’s loss has been heavily felt in the community.
“A dark cloud has hung over the town this past week, it is heavy, grey and heartbreaking,” he said.
“This tragedy has shocked and numbed us all.”
A message was read from one of Mr Ivan’s best friends, known as Junior, who was unable to attend the funeral.
“Dusan and I met in 2006. He was like a brother to me, I could always count on him and him to me.”
One of his colleagues from the Castle, Sean, told mourners of the good times they had with Mr Ivan and how he had the 'kindest and biggest heart.’
“He was more to us than a security guard in a pink shirt that he was so fond of. Our spirits were lifted when he came in the door.”
“He text me recently and said, Sean, I like working with you. I feel like a part of one big Irish family.”
Mr Ivan’s mother told the congregation, through a friend of Mr Ivan’s, who translated, how much the support of the community had meant in the preceding days.
“I want to thank you for your support and for standing by our side. I have no words, I am overwhelmed by the support and that gives me strength, knowing how much Dusan was loved.”
The mass was followed by a private ceremony at Shannon Crematorium.
