Shane Middleton died on Easter Sunday, April 4th. RIP.

‘One of the finest humanitarians ever'

A Nenagh man who achieved an extraordinary amount of good in a life that ended all too soon was mourned by the local community last week.

Shane Middleton (45) of St Conlon’s Road died at Milford Care Centre on Easter Sunday following an illness. A humanitarian aid programme director with Global Communities, Shane worked with people suffering from war and persecution around the world.

His funeral Mass at St Mary of Rosary Church last Wednesday was watched on webcam by friends and colleagues from Afghanistan, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and many other countries where Shane’s humanitarian work transformed lives. Parish Priest Fr Des Hillery read the dedication on a silver plaque awarded to Shane in 2018 for ‘demonstrating a commitment, a purpose, a genuine connection with the community, and the drive and vision to lead the work that has saved thousands of lives and livelihoods across the district of Gaza and beyond’.

Fr Hillery praised the work of the Nenagh man, who both lived with displaced peoples and fought their case at the highest levels of government.

“He ran relief programmes, meticulously, for the people who had to run through the fields of battle, crawl in situations of danger. To lift up fellow humans who crawled in distress, he scaled obstacles of bureaucracy to give a hand to people scaling walls of prejudice and discrimination.”

Fr Hillery mentioned Shane’s love of the band U2 and cited many of their lyrics during the ceremony, including: ‘I have spoke with the tongue of angels; I have held the hand of a devil...’

“Shane's life brought him face to face with evil,” Fr Des said. “Man's inhumanity to man. The face of the devil in his presence with the afflicted people of Afghanistan, Syria, Gaza, Iraq and many other places.

“Shane faced unflinchingly situations where only the brave would dare. Countless thousands of people found relief, safety and dignity through the work Shane devoted himself to as a humanitarian worker...

“Thank you, Shane, for all you have done for your fellow human beings. Thousands upon thousands are indebted to you.”

SYMBOLS

Among the symbols produced at the Mass was a record of Shane's travels of the world in photographs. There was also a photograph of his first meeting with his godchild Sadhbh, daughter of his brother Cathal and sister-in-law Marion, with whom Shane had a particularly fond relationship. Also among the symbols of life was a banner made by the people of the Gaza Strip and presented to Shane in honour of his work and friendship with them.

“The restrictions that curtail our gathering in person will some day be lifted and we will have a chance, an opportunity to hear some extraordinary stories of the extraordinary life of an extraordinary individual,” Fr Hillery said.

CEO'S MESSAGE

Cathal took the opportunity to thank everyone who had sent messages of tribute and support in the wake of his brother's death. He also acknowledged the support of Shane’s close-knit group of great friends in his final years.

Cathal read out a message from David Weiss, President and CEO of Global Communities: ‘Shane was one of the finest humanitarians ever, as well as one of the finest human beings ever. He was rather unique in our business with his vision. He gave more to so many around the world in his short time than most people could hope to ever do even in a very long life.’

Cathal recalled how his brother often joked about “dodging bullets, saving lives and breaking hearts”.

He said Shane was perhaps best summed up during the week by one colleague and friend who said: “Despite all his struggles, throughout his illness, he was never bitter.”

Cathal thanked all who cared for Shane over the years including Nenagh GP Dr Muiris O’Keeffe, the palliative outreach team and staff at Milford Care Centre, and all the family, friends and neighbours, and those who helped organise the funeral in such difficult times. When time and circumstances allow, Shane’s life would be celebrated in style, he said.

Predeceased by his brother Daragh, Shane is sadly missed by his heartbroken family, parents Chris and Mary, brother Cathal, sister-in-law Marion, his adored niece and goddaughter Sadhbh, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends.

May he rest in peace.