A 21-YEAR-OLD Army private who drowned in Kilkenny last weekend had the "heart of a soldier", mourners at his funeral were told.
Pte Alan Boyce, from Meelick in Co Clare, was buried with full military honours in Limerick yesterday. He was laid to rest beside his older brother Thomas, also an Army private, killed in a car crash when he was just 19 years old.
Hundreds of mourners packed St Munchin's Church in Limerick yesterday where Army chaplain Fr Séamus Madigan spoke of how the Boyce family had been "plunged into darkness" following the tragic death of a second child.
"The shock and pain of losing a second son and brother so tragically must be a great darkness for them. Tragic death is like a blackout. One minute the sun is shining and the next minute it's like the darkest night," said Fr Madigan.
Originally from Limerick city, the Boyce family has strong Army links, with Alan's father, Company Sgt Tom, brother Pte Jason and uncle Pte Stephen Boyce all currently serving.
The packed congregation at yesterday's funeral Mass included Brig Gen Pat Hayes, and members of the 12th Battalion from Limerick and Clonmel and members of the 121st Platoon.
There was also a large representation from local sporting circles, including Meelick GAA Club, Ballynanty Rovers and Carew Park soccer clubs in Limerick.
Mourners were told how Alan carried a picture of his older brother Thomas around with him and how he believed his late sibling "got him through the tough challenges".
"His colleagues and family knew that he had a special place in his heart for his brother Thomas who died eight years ago, also a member of the 12th Battalion, and as Thomas will always be remembered as forever 19, so you Alan will be remembered as forever 21," said Fr Madigan.
"Everyone who knew Alan, knew him to be full of life. He was like a ripple in a pond . . . His life affected so many people for the better. He will be missed. He had the heart of a solider," he added.
A number of items representing Pte Boyce's life were brought to the altar yesterday, including his Army beret and gloves.
His brother Ross brought an Arsenal jersey and green soccer boots, which symbolised the 21-year-old's great love of sport, while his sister Ciara brought a Grease DVD, which represented his great love of music and dance.
Pte Boyce's coffin, draped with a Tricolour, was carried on a gun carriage from St Munchin's Church while the Army band led the funeral procession into Mount St Oliver Cemetery.
As Pte Boyce's coffin was lowered into the grave beside his brother Thomas, a unit from the 12th Battalion fired a 21-gun salute.
Pte Boyce is survived by his parents Delia and Tom, brothers Jason and Ross and sister Ciara.