Re: Griffith: White teen bashed to death by Abos
Mourners of slain teen urged to stay calm
January 09, 2007
UP to 1000 mourners who crowded a southern NSW church today were urged to honour the memory of bashed teenager Andrew Farrugia with calm heads and compassionate hearts. Andrew, 17, was fatally attacked in the main street of Griffith in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Many who gathered today to farewell the popular Rankins Springs teen listened to the hour-long service from the grounds of Griffith's Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which was filled to capacity.
Braving the 35-degree heat, they heard tributes to a talented student, sportsman and musician lost at a "high point in his life''.
"We are here to say goodbye to a friend. Let us honour him by behaving like decent human beings,'' Father Michael Mikulek told the congregation.
"His legacy is the message that it is important to be honest, kind and tolerant. Let us honour him with calm in our heads and compassion in our hearts.''
Fears of new violence in Griffith arose late last week, with reports that text messages inciting revenge for Andrew's death were circulating in the community.
While no such violence has arisen, many in the community were still grappling with anger, sadness and frustration, said Griffith Mayor Dino Zappacosta, who attended the funeral.
Two boys have been charged with murdering Andrew, and police inquiries are continuing.
Today, pallbearers wearing white shoes in a tribute to their mate's trademark style, carried a casket adorned with a Newcastle Knights flag past an honour guard of friends.
The strains of the Leonard Cohen song,
Hallelujah, marked the beginning of the ecumenical service.
Andrew's cousin Stephanie Williams fought back tears as she recalled their childhoods together.
She said Andrew had grown into a committed young man who was passionate about school, rugby league, BMX bikes, tennis and his band, The Mourning After.
"When Andrew left us he was at a high point in his life and this is how we will remember him,'' she said.
"Andrew, 17, popular, achieving his goals and dreams.
"Andrew forever young, forever happy and forever loved.''
The distinction between cousin and brother was often blurred when it came to Andrew, she said.
"I knew Andrew for all of his life, and I know I will miss him for the rest of mine.''
The Mourning After performed a song,
Waiting for You (For Andy), penned in the hours after Andrew's death, and Fr Mikulek sympathised with the mourners.
"We are angry, we are sad and we feel helpless,'' he said.
"We have to find a way to deal with deep, very, very strong emotions.
"We will need some time to heal. We will need time to find meaning in all this.''