Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:00pm

Haiti victim laid to rest in Cavan

The funeral cortege led through the streets of Belturbet by a riderless horse handled by Hugh Fitzpatrick.

Andrew Grene, the United Nations official who tragically lost his life in Haiti following a massive earthquake on January 12, made his final journey through the streets of his native Belturbet last Sunday afternoon. The hearse carrying his remains and the cortege, which walked the entire journey from his home at Derrycark, were preceded by a horse led by Hugh Fitzpatrick. This was symbolic of Andrew's love of horses and a pair of riding boots were placed underneath the white coffin in Annagh Church during the funeral service. The empty boots turned backwards in the stirrups denoted the fallen rider.

As the sun slanted down on a dry but bitterly cold Sunday afternoon, hundreds of locals crowded into the church for the final farewell to Andrew who would have attended that same church with his parents and twin brother Gregory.

The coffin was draped in the UN flag, which was removed and neatly folded at the church gates by two former UN ex-service veterans, Marty Morrissey, B.Q.M.S., and Private Tony Brady, and handed to Andrew's widow Jennifer.

She was accompanied by her sons Patrick, Alexander and daughter Rosamund; Andrew's mother Ethel, twin brother Gregory, half brother Nicholas and sister Ruth.

The Taoiseach was represented by his Aide-de-Camp Comdt Michael Treacy, while President Mary McAleese was represented by her Aide-de-Camp Captain Niamh O'Mahony. The government was represented by the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith. Also present were Fine Gael Deputy Seymour Crawford, Senator Joe O'Reilly and the Belturbet Mayor, John McDonald, who grew up beside the Grene family.

The service was conducted by the local rector, Rev. Steve Clark and he was assisted by the curate, Rev. Hazel Hicks. Paying tribute to what he called "a stunningly beautiful life", Reverend Clark told the congregation: "He was one of our own who had died in the most tragic of circumstances, while giving of himself to others."

The congregation included many friends and neighbours from the farming community who fondly remembered Andrew running through the meadows in Derrycark on sun-drenched days with his twin brother Gregory.

After the service, Andrew was laid to rest beside his late father, Professor David Grene, in the adjoining graveyard.

Speaking after the funeral Gregory Grene said that Andrew was one of the most extraordinary, sweetest, kindest, gentlest and greatest man he had ever known. "He was an incredibly giving man and he ended up giving his life for the people of Haiti."

Andrew Grene had specifically requested a posting to Haiti and was meeting with the chief of the UN Mission when the fatal earthquake struck. He had travelled the world working for peace in such diverse places as East Temor and Africa. Gregory said that Andrew took the kindness and love they grew up with in Belturbet and brought it across the globe. He laid down his life as he laboured for the betterment of the Haitian people.

A foundation has been established in his name for the education of the children of Haiti - www.andrewgrene.org.

Another memorial service will be held in Chicago where the family has very close ties.