A MAN who was shot in a bar in Spain last month was remembered as a “gentle giant” at his removal which took place at St Joseph’s Church in Bonnybrook, north Dublin, yesterday.
Silence descended on the hundreds of mourners who gathered outside the church as the hearse carrying John O’Neill’s remains pulled up. His remains were carried into the church by family members, including his sister Sharon, to the song, He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.
Parish priest Fr Frank Duggan said that Mr O’Neill’s family, friends, neighbours and the local community were in “deep shock” at his tragic death.
“May we remember in our worship and in our prayers this gentle giant of a man robbed of life tragically,” he said.
He offered his sympathy to Mr O’Neill’s partner Maxine, his children Jake and Jasmine, parents Angela and Hugh, his brother David and his sister Sharon as well as his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mr O’Neill’s funeral will take place today after 10.30am Mass in St Joseph’s Church in Bonnybrook to Fingal Cemetery, Balgriffin.