‘No longer charting unknown waters' – Funeral of fisherman who died off Cork coast told he ‘saw the good in everyone'

THE funeral of a fisherman who died off the coast of Cork was told how he was caring and a hard worker who 'saw the good in everyone.' The service heard how the family of Michael (Mikey) Harrington were comforted by the fact that his body was recovered and brought back to shore. Mikey, aged in his 50s, went fishing alone off Beara on August 31 on his ten metre half decker, Sea Hunter. His parents raised the alarm when he failed to return home and a search began at first light on September 1. Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Debris was spotted in the water off Black Ball Head. The crew of a small punt located Harrington shortly after 8am that day. The RNLI boat took the body and returned him to port at Castletownbere. read more irish news PARK HELL Irish mum's horror as son, 5, hospitalised after finding syringe near play area 'LITTLE ANGEL' Funeral details for boy, 2, killed on toy tractor in Limerick hit-and-run Mikey's funeral mass took place at St Michael's Church in Cahermore in Beara today. A reflection entitled 'Return to the Shore' was heard towards the conclusion of the mass. Mourners were told that the sea had for a time held Mikey in its embrace. They heard: 'It took Mikey from our sight but it could never take him from our hearts. Mikey's journey is no longer charting unknown waters. He has found his harbour. Columbian cops join with Gardai to target gangs flooding Europe with cocaine Inside ring of steel Trump visit prep as troops touch down & Phoenix Park ready Miami Airport had safety issue before deadly crash as expert issues warning 'He is at peace, rested and safely home in the quiet haven of our memories. As we say our final goodbyes we do not anchor ourselves in sorrow. 'Instead we let the tide of his memory wash over us bringing back his smile, strength and the love he so freely gave. Rest in peace Michael you are home.' Mikey was a native of Blackrock in Dublin. His family moved to Counlough in Cahermore when he was four years old. His sister Kathleen Harrington thanked locals for their incredible kindness and support in the wake of the tragedy. She also expressed gratitude to the people who raised the alarm and to all those who participated in the search which brought Mikey home to them. She said that Mikey was the only son in a family of four sisters. Growing up in Counlough he enjoyed the freedom of playing in the fields with neighbouring children, swimming in the sea, riding bikes around the area, picking periwinkles and helping on the farm. Kathleen said her brother went fishing at a young age and that it 'had never left his blood.' Mikey loved to have a good laugh and was always carrying out pranks when they were youngsters. His sisters thought he 'was magic' as he always seemed to know what they were getting from Santa. She described him as kind, loving and caring and a hard worker who always 'saw the good in everyone.' Offertory gifts included a copy of 'The Skipper magazine,' a picture of his home place, his tobacco and coffee cup, a fishing needle and hat and lawnmower oil and a strimmer as 'there was never a blade of grass left uncut when Mikey was around.' Fr John Kerin said Mikey touched the hearts of many with his kind and loving nature. He said that Mikey worked in many parts of Ireland and travelled widely throughout the world. He said: 'He loved swimming, hill walking and cycling. He even took part in the Ring of Kerry cycle race to raise money for charitable causes. He loved animals. He was very attached to the family dog and I know that dog is missing him these days. 'His greatest love was fishing. He had recently bought his own boat and enjoyed fishing off the coast here. 'Mikey was much loved and respected in this community. He had a genuine interest in people and loved conversation. 'He was fun loving. There was a mischievous side to him as well. I suppose you could call him a likeable rogue. We will remember his laughter, his stories and his kindness. RECOMMENDED STORIES 'I was privileged to get to know Mikey since coming to the parish. Only a few weeks ago we shared a lovely chat over a cup of coffee in Castletownbere. That ordinary moment has now become a precious measure.' Mikey is survived by his parents Jerome and Anne, his sisters Ann Marie, Kathleen, Maureen and Helen, brothers in law Martin and Daniel, sister in law Debbie, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Columbian cops join with Gardai to target gangs flooding Europe with cocaine Funeral of fisherman who died off Cork coast told he 'saw the good in everyone' Inside ring of steel Trump visit prep as troops touch down & Phoenix Park ready Miami Airport had safety issue before deadly crash as expert issues warning