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Liam Neeson's home town united in sadness
Friday, 20 March 2009
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As news spread of the sudden death of actress Natasha Richardson the people of Ballymena said the wife of the town’s most famous son would be in their “thoughts and prayers”.
Those who live in Ballymena where her actor husband Liam Neeson was born and bred spoke of their shock and sadness.
The Neeson family in Northern Ireland have remained silent about the tragic death of the 45-year-old mother of two. Only through a statement have they said that both Liam and their children have been left “shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha”.
At the home of Natasha’s mother-in-law Kitty Neeson visitors called throughout the day.
A neighbour who didn’t want to be named said the sudden death of Neeson’s wife has left people “totally shocked”.
“I’d heard Natasha had been injured but I don’t think anybody realised how serious it was.”
Meanwhile the Very Rev John Bond from Broughshane said her death will be felt by family members living in Northern Ireland.
“This was the life of a young person, a mother, a wife and a talented woman, cut short so very suddenly. As he still has family living here in and around Ballymena and so this tragic loss will be felt locally.
“The Neeson family are very well known, and highly thought of, Liam is an iconic figure here. He, along with his whole family will be in the thoughts and prayers of many right across the town, and I’m sure Northern Ireland.”
And throughout the town people stopped to voice their sadness at the news.
Margaret Wright (73) from Ahoghill near Ballymena said people “couldn’t believe the news”.
“He is so well respected, he is a Ballymena man and the people of the town, and I’m sure right across the country, feel for him, and his two boys. It is just so sad.”
Stephen Fullerton (50) from Ballymena said the local people will offer support to the Neesons.
“When the news broke I just couldn’t believe it.
“He still has time for Ballymena, and I’m sure people here will give him the time and any support he needs.”
Kenny Davidson (42) who works at The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena said: “He has supported the local arts so well, it must be a terrible time for him, but he will be in the thoughts of everyone in Ballymena, that’s for sure.”
Emma McKeegan (22) from Cushendall said the couple had enjoyed time holidaying in Northern Ireland.
“Liam’s brother lives in Cushendall and so you would have seen the couple there, spending sometime in the summer.
“They were just seen as part of their family, and people just left them alone, because of that.”
Politicians also voiced their condolences to the family.
Declan O’Loan, deputy mayor of Ballymena, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Neesons at this time.”
John Miskella (24) who lives in Liam Neeson’s former home in Ballymena, said the family is greatly respected.
“We have a lot of time for the Neesons, so the news of his wife’s accident was really tragic.
“We actually still have a photograph of Liam, which was given to my mum from Kitty. The whole family is just so respected here. It’s just so sad.”
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Comments
39 Comments
Nothing will replace a lost love, a love held so deeply.
Holding tightly, memories that bring comfort may be all that can be done.
Allowing time to caress your pain, and sharing memories,
until a measure of happiness, finds a way to gently support you
I lost some one close to me, & its taken two years for some normality to find me again.
my thoughts are with you, as are those of so many...
Posted by sheila | 06.09.09, 17:36 GMT
Dear Familey and friends,
I am a huge fan of Liam and Natasha's work, i love watching the diversity of your work.
No words can describe what you are going through even now months on from you losing your beloved Natasha, I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I will always remember her and will always be a fan.
xxxxxxx forever in my thoughts
Posted by melanie hill | 12.08.09, 20:04 GMT
Dear Mr. Neeson,
Your performances have touched our hearts.
Now your pain has touched us deeply.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Aguilera
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Posted by Mr. and Mrs. Aguilera | 27.05.09, 06:02 GMT
To the family of Natasha Richardson, husband Liam, sons and mother: This Grief, it is heavy, thick and opaque, senseless and impossible. The love, legacy and hope is in the children that are living and share the spirit and genetic being of their mother and father. May your lives be rich in love, laughter and honor the mother and wife that Natasha embodied so well. May your suffering be illuminating as to what is most precious on this earth. Please live fully to honor your mother and wife and become the best people you can become. Your fear, loss, confusion, changes and depth of love are the common denominator in all our lives.
May you find peace through healthy endeavors.
Posted by Antonietta | 08.05.09, 19:26 GMT
i couldnt believe when i heard this , i was in tears :(
such a lovely women , its devistating that this happened.
you have my love and prayers for you and your son to pull thru and stay strong through these difficult times.
god bless you all XXXXX
Posted by mike | 18.04.09, 16:59 GMT
Liam& Family- Our hearts and prayers are with you - To lose a beautiful person as lovely as Natasha. The Lord gave her to you and the wonderful memories . When it was time for her to go home- He wanted you to remember the love she bestowed in your hearts and the qualities she instilled. She will always be in your heart and your son's. Angels are all around us- and so will she. When you see the love and the hurt even tho you didn't know this family personally, you still have heartfelt sympathy and would like to let the family know they are in your prayers and you feel their pain to let them know- God Bless you and your family! Stay close to the Lord in prayers!
Posted by Nancy Armstrong | 28.03.09, 18:37 GMT
When will it ring, I wait each day
the small screen bears no name
keep ringing let me know your fine
The screen is blank , you never came,
Ill wait to hear your voice again,
Just one call to let me know,
that you are safe , will watch over us,
And then Ill let you go.
This modern world can do such things
To keep us close forever,
Dont need a cell phone to remember you.
As your in my heart forever.... hope Liam likes the words xxx
Posted by Donna from Glasgow | 27.03.09, 15:34 GMT
Dear Mr. Neeson,
I am only one of many fans, and the reason it has taken me so long to write is because all of this movie star stuff can get so trite and foolish. But you and your family have been such a good example of how we all should behave. And I have been moved to tell you how touched I am by your bravery. I send you heartfelt condolence. I am so sorry for your loss. Know that a thousand prayers have been sent on your behalf and mine are among them. Thank-you for behaving in such a generous manner . I shall try to remember and follow your example when lifes' twist and turns. Thank-you for giving dear Natasha's organs away. She must be soooo proud. I know she is hugging you from heaven. These pages are for us to "get it out" but I will do my best to remember you and Natasha's charities, and work harder at my own. Your sharing so Publicly your grief and mourning gives me an example to follow and comfort as I face my own lifes' losses. May God Bless You and Keep You.
Posted by Karen Churchill-Hairston | 27.03.09, 15:22 GMT
Mr. Neeson, I am still shocked and deeply sad over the death of your beautiful and talented wife. She was a terrific actress and a very classy, gentle lady. I will miss seeing more of her diverse acting skills. My deep sympathy to you, your children, Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Posted by Suzanne Moreno | 24.03.09, 03:11 GMT
May she rest in peace.
Posted by Ann Murphy | 22.03.09, 21:39 GMT
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. Your life will never be the same again but it will be henceforth enriched by the sole fact that Natahsa was in your life. Let family and friends comfort you. Let God console you and heal you.
Posted by Sarah | 22.03.09, 11:22 GMT
She was a remarkable woman and a remarkable actress who didnt get nearly enough good roles and whos best film roles were yet ahead of her. Her cinema presence will be missed, she was a class act and Liam was a truly a blessed man for the time that she was in his life. slumdog millionaire box office
My thoughts and prayers go out to Liam and his children and to Mrs. Redgrave, Natashas mother, no mother should ever have to bury her child.
Posted by stephen voss | 22.03.09, 00:21 GMT
My deepest sympathies to the family. God will help you through this.
Posted by Judy | 21.03.09, 23:46 GMT
I want to let the family of Natasha know that my prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. God has her in Heaven and I bet she will alwasys be your Guardian Angel forever.
Jeri
Posted by rosiesophia77@gmail.com | 21.03.09, 20:09 GMT
We send our very deepest sympathy to the family of Natasha Richardson. She wwill always be lovingly remembered as a great treasure to the world of the theatre and a truly wonderful daughter, wife and mother of two very special boys. Her legacy and great talent, as a member of two extraordinary acting families, will live on forever.
Posted by Joan and Carl Lawrence | 21.03.09, 05:16 GMT
we were so saddened and sorry to hear of the tragic death of Natasha. our thoughts are with Liam and the boys and this Sunday wont be a happy mothers day for them. hope they all find strength and comfort in the prayers that are for them.
Posted by alexandra ball | 20.03.09, 17:53 GMT
To Liam and family,
If you should read this please know that millions who do not 'know' you certainly feel your pain and wish to carry you with love through this nightmare. We could see the love you felt for each other and feel terrible. Nothing seems adequate to console you over the loss of your beloved Natasha. The world has less light and beauty. Hugs to all of you in pain.
Posted by Rebecca Janelli | 20.03.09, 05:13 GMT
I am so sorry for you loss, no words can I say can heal your pain. Please know that you and your family are in prays.
Posted by Gina | 20.03.09, 04:08 GMT
I've ever done this before, but i feel sad because of your loss. And i have felt the need of telling you, even you would never read it. I send you all my support, my most deeply condolence and hope you'll be able to gather all strenght you need, and your family need, to go through this and raise again to honor her the way she have deserved.
Posted by JOSE LUIS JOLO | 20.03.09, 02:30 GMT
Another shining star none of us have ever met is soaring with the angels. Yes it is desperately sad but tragedies like this and Goody happen every minute of every day. Do you people just walk the streets wringing your hands and wailing all day? Or is it just celebrities you care about?
Steve: "Writeing this is tough, seeing through the tears", tell me thats sarcasm...
Posted by kwilson | 19.03.09, 22:01 GMT
39 Comments