The death of Donegal businessman Stephen McCahill has left his parish and local community in profound mourning, his funeral mass was told, reports RTE.
Mr McCahill was discovered dead after an assault at his home near the town of Ard an Rátha last Monday.
A large gathering of mourners came together today to honour the 66-year-old married father of two, reports RTE.
Tributes to Mr McCahill highlighted his deep commitment to the local community, and he was recognised as Donegal Person of the Year in 2016.
The hearse paused outside the Corner House Bar, which he co-owned, before staff members and representatives from the local GAA club walked the short distance to the Church Of The Holy Family for the requiem Mass.
Members of the Ard an Rátha GAA club formed a guard of honour as the funeral procession entered the church grounds, reports RTE.
Parish priest Father Aodhan Cannon stated that the community had been “plunged into darkness” by Mr McCahill’s death.
“We were left feeling a sense of shock and disbelief, fear, anger and intense grief as well as the many unanswered questions that someone who was so pivotal in our community had died,” Fr Cannon added in his homily.
He told the congregation that “a light had gone out” for everyone, but particularly for Mr McCahill’s “heartbroken wife Marietta” along with his children, granddaughter, personal assistant, other family members and friends, reports RTE.
Fr Cannon added: “He gave many a person a chance when others didn’t. Stephen’s goodness mattered and made a difference.
“This parish that Stephen sought to improve is shaken to say the least. But its solidarity and care for each other will help us in the days and time ahead.”
Earlier, the priest described Mr McCahill’s death as “a terrible tragedy and has left a huge void in the lives of those who love him, reports RTE.
“We are inconsolable, but our funeral today will give us a wee bit of hope and a wee bit of consolation in our terrible loss and grief,” he added.
A number of symbols reflecting Mr McCahill’s life were carried forward to the front of the church, close to his wooden coffin which was decorated with flowers.
The symbols stood for the Corner House bar, where Mr McCahill took “great pride” in his work and “made sure everyone felt welcome”, reports RTE.
Although he did not drink alcohol himself, the mass heard that he cherished the atmosphere of the bar and had built a space of “welcome, warmth, music, storytelling and belonging”.
He viewed the staff as extended family and cherished those who brought song, jiving and relaxed conversation to the place.
Other symbols represented his “fierce loyalty” to the fishing industry and friends as well as his “curiosity, active lifestyle and zest for life”, reports RTE.
Fr Cannon said the Donegal Person of the Year award symbolised Mr McCahill’s tireless behind-the-scenes efforts and “heartfelt dedication” to the people of the county.
He said: “For all the public recognition, his greatest work was often quiet and personal, helping people on an individual basis.
“This award stands as a symbol of a life lived generously for the good of the whole community.”
The final symbol was a photograph of his family, which was “what mattered most to him”, reports RTE.
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