Shaun Paul’s life ‘marked by a spirit of giving’

The life of Nenaghman Shaun Paul Brady, tragically cut short after he was shot dead outside his restaurant in Kansas City just over four months ago, was one that was marked by a spirit of giving and deep love for those who loved him, mourners heard at his Memorial Mass in Saint Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, on Saturday last.

Shaun Paul (44), a married man and father of two children, was shot multiple times when he tried to stop a number of individuals from stealing a car outside his restaurant, Brady KC, on August 28 last, in a killing that sparked shock and revulsion on both sides of the Atlantic.

A large crowd who attended his memorial Mass were told by the Chief Celebrant, Nenagh Parish Priest, Fr Pat Gilbert, that Shaun Paul's sudden and tragic passing has left an immense void in the lives of those who loved him.

“Shaun Paul was a man of remarkable generosity, courage and devotion - especially to his family, friends and neighbours,” Fr Gilbert told mourners.

“This Mass is a time to remember and honour the many ways Shaun Paul touched so many lives with his kindness, his passion for cooking, and his unwavering commitment to those he held dearly.

“And, as we reflect on his life, we hold in our hearts his wife Katie, his beloved children Seamus (13) and Mary (10) and his mother Mary and his siblings Vivian, Sandra and Damien, his parents-in-law and all who knew him and loved him.”

During the ceremony symbols of Shaun Paul's life were brought to the altar: his Tipperary and Kansas jerseys, his Irish cap and chef's uniform.

Fr Gilbert said it was with deep sorrow and profound grief that everyone had gathered to bid farewell to Shaun Paul, whose ashes were later interred in Lisboney Lawn Cemetery.

“Our hearts are broken, and our words seem inadequate to express the enormity of his loss. Yet even in the face of such tragedy, we find comfort in the promises of our faith and the legacy of love and kindness and compassion that Shaun Paul has left behind.”

Fr Gilbert said Shaun Paul was, above all, a family man. “Indeed fatherhood was his greatest joy, and he embraced it with all his heart.

“He delighted in his family, finding happiness in their laughter, in their celebrations, their milestones, their togetherness.

“And his devotion extended beyond his immediate family to include his loving mother Mary, his siblings, and his cherished parents-in-law.

“We know you hearts are shattered, but we pray that you will find strength in the love and the memories you shared with Shaun Paul.”

LOVE OF COOKING

Fr Gilbert said Shaun Paul's love of cooking was not merely about a love of food. “It was a vocation. It was about bringing people together, creating joy and sharing a piece of his soul with everyone who tasted his creations.

“His Irish flair in the kitchen became a hallmark of his restaurant in Kansas where he spent 17 years building a life and a legacy.

“He brought a piece of Ireland with him to America, carrying his heritage proudly. And his restaurant became a haven for the Irish community in Kansas, showing symbols of his homeland including a picture of Nenagh Castle and the Irish flag.

“It was a gathering place where people felt connected, celebrated and comforted. And Irish celebrities and musicians found their way to his door for his unmistakable Irish charm and his famous cuisine.”

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT

Fr Gilbert said the outpouring of support from the Kansas community during his wake and Funeral Mass in the US city four months ago was a testament to the impact Shaun Paul had on their lives and the esteem in which he was held in the US city.

“His actions in defending property and life were a testament to his love and courage and selflessness - qualities that mirror the sacrificial love of Christ.

“Goodness and integrity defined Shaun Paul's life. For he was a beacon of light to the lives of so many people and his life continues to shine, offering hope and inspiration.

“Shaun Paul's life was a testament to faith, family and the community. He worked tirelessly to make a home for his future and his family.

“He poured his heart into his restaurant, not just as a business but as a place of sharing and belonging and he remained steadfast in his Irish identify, ensuring that the spirit of Nenagh and Ireland lived on in Kansas.

“His life was marked by a spirit of giving and deep love for those who loved him.”

Fr Gilbert told mourners that although Shaun Paul's physical presence is gone, “his love remains - a love that will sustain and strengthen you, please God, in the days and weeks and months to come.”

Shaun Paul's younger brother, Damien, thanked the local community and the people of Kansas for all support they had shown.

“He was our big brother, always there to support us when we needed him. He was a funny uncle to all his nieces and nephews and a dear friend so many.”

Damien said Shaun Paul was so proud to call Nenagh his home. “When we visited his restaruant in Kansas the walls were decorated with pictures and other things from Nenagh...he never forgot where he came from.”

Such was the esteem in which Shaun Paul was held in his native Nenagh, and his adopted home of Missouri, that a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to support his wife and two young children raised €185,000.

The fundraising was organised by the team behind the annual Kansas City Irish Fest, who indicated that Shaun Paul had made an enormous contribution to their community.

Following the fatal shooting last August, two male juveniles were arrested in connection with the case. The teenagers were charged with second degree murder and “attempted stealing”.

One of the teenagers was later released from detention after the charges against him were dropped.