The late Padraig O’Rahilly of Calfmount, Headford was laid to rest on Monday, as family and friends gathered to honour the life of a man who was hugely popular and well liked amongst the local community.

Padraig O’Rahilly, who was 28 years old, died after getting into difficulty in the River Flesk last Tuesday.

The funeral took place at Barraduff Church, with Padraig being laid to rest at Kilquane Cemetery.

Symbols representing his life were brought to the altar. A cherished family photograph, a picture marking the day he passed his driving test, his Glenflesk jersey and medals, a Manchester United jersey, and a Kerry jersey.

A Glenflesk flag was draped over his coffin, a tribute to his passion for sport.

In a heartfelt tribute to their late brother, Padraig’s sisters Valerie and Maureen remembered their beloved brother who they absolutely adored.

“He was the kindest, purest and most caring person and as a family we are heartbroken and devastated. This will affect us for the rest of our lives.”

Padraig was an avid spots fan. Valerie recalled how he was “stone mad about sport” and he played at all levels with Glenflesk GAA as a very talented left-legger. He also played soccer with Killarney Athletic and Killarney Celtic.

He began supporting Manchester United at a young age; Valerie said that anybody who knew Padraig knew the team were his whole world.

“There are no words to make us understand what has happened and why he was taken from us soon and so tragically. God takes the good ones, and he was the best of us,” said Valerie.

Padraig worked at Mr Price; he was very fond of the shop and his colleagues.

Valerie described his love for driving and how he had travelled all around the country.

“The day he passed his driving test meant the absolute world to him.”

Padraig’s friend Dermot also spoke at the funeral and paid tribute to him.

“The huge support Padraig was to Maureen over the last few years has to be mentioned. He absolutely loved and adored Maureen, as he loved all of his family. Particularly, her two sons Fionn and Aaron, and by god they adored him too.”

Maureen’s son Fionn was brought to the alter and Dermot said to him: “Fionn, we want you to know that Padraig is up in heaven looking down so proud of you for being an absolutely brilliant boy all this week.”

Speaking about his friendship with Padraig, Dermot said he got to know him six or seven years ago.

Dermot described his friend as kind and unassuming with a big circle of friends around him.

“There is nobody in this world that could say a bad word about Padraig. He was so loved by his family and friends. We will miss him.”

He concluded the eulogy by saying: “It was our pleasure to have known you Padraig, as our friend.”