Report by Dan Walsh at Kilmore. “Joe was born to fish and died fishing,” Fr David Murphy, Chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces, told a packed congregation in St. Mary’s Church, Kilmore, today as they had gathered to say a final farewell to Joseph ‘Joe’ Sinnott, (65), the respected local fisherman, who sadly lost his life when trawler ALIZE sank south of Hook Head last Saturday night.

The father of four was winched from the sea by R117 CoastGuard helicopter and taken to University Hospital Waterford but lost his battle for life a short time afterwards.

Fr. Murphy sympathised with the family, remembered Joe as a popular member of the community who held a passion for the seafaring life and remembered his missing crew mate Willie Whelan. “As we begin Mass the search teams are out on the sea looking for Willie.”

Tributes were also paid by his son, Michael, and his nephew, Sean Boyce. On behalf of the family they conveyed their gratitude for all who sympathised with them on such a sad occasion and remembered everyone who took part in the search from the fishing community.

As Joe was lowered into his final resting place in Kilmore Cemetery, boats involved in the search for his missing work colleague and friend, Willie Whelan, sailed ashore and formed a guard of honour just off Kilmore Quay sounding their hooters in unison as a fitting tribute to a brave fisherman.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Joe’s wife Mary, his children Michael, Siobhan, Bernie and Bridget, sadly missed by his family, brother, sister, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. R.I.P.