Remembering Oisin Hasson (RIP) - tribute to late Dungiven man

Dungiven man Oisin Hasson sadly passed away on Tuesday, February 6, surrounded by his beloved family, who have been at his bedside for the past few weeks.

They were with Oisin for the past 46 years and I honestly don't believe they could have done any more for Oisin since his accident.

Many will remember that terrible morning, in January 1977, when news broke about Oisin's road traffic accident which left him critically injured.

He subsequently was in a coma for nine very long months and his devastated family were with him throughout those difficult months, willing him to survive, against all odds.

Oisin eventually pulled through, his recovery and rehabilitation proved to be a very long process, as he had suffered a life changing brain injury.

Oisin had to learn how to walk and talk again, with the tremendous love, devotion, and encouragement of his parents, Rosella and Niall, and his three siblings, Fiona, Pauline, and Eugene who all did their utmost to ensure Oisin's life was as normal as possible. Nobody could possibly have done any more than the Hasson family as they got on with life as best they could, going to great lengths to meet Oisin's every need.

I have always had such admiration and respect for them, knowing things weren't always easy for them.

Oisin was just 21 years of age when tragedy struck and life changed forever.

He was a lovely, kind, outgoing and witty fella who loved sport and music.

A terrific hurler who represented his county, which delighted his proud parents and family. Oisin worked in the family tailoring business before working in the construction industry which he enjoyed immensely.

He was very good natured and had a great sense of humour, his fun loving nature plain to be seen.

His family must have been heartbroken but they carried on, making the most of the fact that Oisin was still with them.

They helped and supported Oisin through many challenges and struggles, never looking for any outside help or support at any stage.

Ironically, I had lost my 5 year-old sister 10 years earlier fairly close to the spot where Oisin had his collision so it brought back really awful memories of the day Eileen was killed.

I often thought if only she had survived, life may have been so very different.

Oisin was spared for a reason. We learnt so much through him and his suffering but mainly by witnessing his great determination, courage and bravery, and also the unconditional love displayed by his family.

Oisin's health began to deteriorate but he never lost that fighting spirit and will to keep going.

I often met him out walking on the pound brae and always stopped to have a chat about music and sport.

He loved a chat about the Derry games but was knowledgeable about all sport. We would often predict that this year has to be Derry's year but it wasn't to be so perhaps Derry will succeed this year in Oisin's memory!

Oisin had a great love of music, listening to Downtown Radio when he could. We often debated who was the best between Elvis, Status Quo, The Eagles or Queen. His favourite always being Elvis!

Sadly, Oisin got to a stage where he could no longer remain at home and residential care seemed to be the best solution.

Oisin has been a resident in Ardlough Nursing Home for the last seven years and he has been content and very happy. The staff there have been tremendous, nothing was ever a problem and they all did their utmost for Oisin, even getting the status of the home changed by training to make sure they were in a position to care for Oisin. They always adopted a person centred approach and Oisin was in the best place to meet his individual needs. Ardlough deserve such credit for best practice and the care provided. I spoke to several of the staff during Oisin's wake and their grief was plain to be seen. They will miss Oisin as many will.

Rest easy Oisin and watch over those who love you. A little piece of your sisters and brother has gone with you as you are reunited with your adoring parents and you will live on in your special family forever.

Perhaps

Perhaps some day the sun will shine for us again and we'll see that still the sky is blue

And feel once more that we do not live in vain although bereft of you

Perhaps the golden meadows at our feet will make Springtime bright and we'll find the white May blossoms sweet though Oisin has gone to his eternal rest

Perhaps the Summer woods will shimmer and crimson roses will again be fair and Autumn harvest fields will be such a delight when at their best

Perhaps we'll listen to Christmas songs again and we won't shrink in pain

At the passing of the dying year

Through time may many joys renew, but the greatest joy we will not know again

As our hearts, after the loss of our beloved Oisin, were broken long ago.