Former Shamrock Rovers player and businessman Eamon Farrell has been remembered at his funeral by his son, actor Colin Farrell, as having been a gem of a father who was adored by him and his siblings.
Mr Farrell, who was in his eighties, died on Wednesday at the Whitworth Ward in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
In a tribute at requiem mass at the Church of Our Lady of Victories on Ballymun Road in Dublin, Colin Farrell said that they were "so glad" to have had Eamon as a father.
"As I grew into manhood, and particularly as I too became a dad, all I could and can remember are the good times. More importantly, all I can feel are the good times we shared. Of course I feel them now through the lens of loss, these moments frozen in time," the actor said.
Farrell said that the family were delighted that Eamon had found love again with Eileen Pollard whom he married nearly a decade ago.
"Me and brothers and sisters are glad to know the joy you felt in the last chapter of your life. It meant so much to us that you found love again again and married your beloved Eileen. You loved her sons and daughters, and they loved you in kind."
The Oscar nominated actor said that his father had a mischievous side and that he knew football "inside and out".
The Castleknock native spoke fondly of being coached by him in Castleknock Celtic Football club.
"It was both brilliant and terrifying. All I wanted to do was impress you. It (football) was such a huge part of your life and you passed your love for it onto me in ways that will stay with me forever.
"You were a God to me growing up. And even in my early childhood, in my early adulthood, during my drinking days.
"Even though I was from the mean streets of Castleknock, I'd seek out the inner city pubs that had all the old fellas in them. So that I could tell anyone who would listen who my dad was. The famous Shamrock Rovers star Eamon Farrell.
"So I could nonchalantly find a way to drop it in to a bit of banter. And each time I would get the same response "Eamon Farrell was your da?"
"The thrill I would get. Like I was learning about that life you lived before we came into your world. I remember telling you that each one of them would say the same thing "Jaysus your dad had a lovely touch of the ball. I was so proud you were my father."
Colin said that he and his siblings were grateful to their father for how hard he had worked to provide for them.
He said that his father had touched the lives of so many people including the customers he served in his various incarnations as a businessman.
"You started your working life as a footballer. Then you had a fish and chip shop and a few restaurants, a newsagents, a Spar, an import and export business and finally a chain of health food stores which you ran with your dear friend Gareth. You worked so hard all your life. Whether you were 'Mr Farrell, or Eamon or Eamo’ people really loved you dad."
Mr Farrell was predeceased by his siblings Tommy, Maureen and Sean.
In addition to his wife Eileen and his children, Mr Farrell will also be missed by his eight step-children, five grandchildren, and extended family, neighbours and friends.
The mass was followed by a cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.
