'Kevin had a smile for everyone, and not a bad word to say about anyone'

Even during the profoundly sad occasion of his funeral Mass, the life Kevin Connaire lived inspired warm smiles and moments of laughter.

The Athlone man, who died on Friday last at the age of 40, was described at yesterday's service in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, as someone who was "full of life, and full of joy."

"He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour that made it a joy to meet him and spend time in his company," said chief celebrant, Fr Pat Murphy.

"He had a smile for everyone. He had time to chat, and not a bad word to say about anyone.

"I also know that he was kind and considerate, always ready and willing to help out in whatever way the situation required.

"He was generous with his time, with his gifts, and with himself to others. Those who spent time with Kevin were the better for it."

A native of Clonbrusk, who lived in Athlone throughout his four decades, Kevin passed away on July 1, having been admitted to hospital in the preceding days.

On the day of the funeral a gathering was arranged in his local pub, The Olive Bar, which drew a large turnout of friends raising a toast to him.

At the funeral service, which was concelebrated by Fr Charlie Healy and Fr John Roche, deepest sympathies were extended to his parents, Vincent and Mary, his aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends.

Mementos of Kevin's life which were brought to the altar at the beginning of the Mass included the mobile phone he used to keep in touch with his family and friends, a dumbbell to symbolise his interest in physical fitness, a golf ball marking his enjoyment of pitch and putt, and a bicycle lamp in recognition of his cycling trips around the town and beyond.

"Kevin was blessed in so many ways. He was blessed in his loving parents, Mary and Vincent, who poured out such love on him and who today are truly heartbroken. He was blessed in his many good and loyal friends, and blessed with a wonderful personality," Fr Murphy told mourners.

"While there is great sadness, great loss and great heartache today, and over these last days, there is also a sense of giving thanks for all the joy that Kevin brought to so many."

One of his good friends, Conor Moran, delivered a heartfelt and moving tribute to Kevin during the service.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child. It took a town to raise Kevin," said Conor.

"Vincent and Mary - Ma and Da, as he would say - what can we say only we're all here to support you now and forever.

"He idolised both of you, always spoke about you, and always appreciated everything you did for him. We all knew the dinner menu, as he would say, 'I have to go home for the spuds now, or Mammy will be ringing!'"

Conor mentioned an article paying tribute to Kevin in this week's Westmeath Independent but said it wasn't the first time his friend had been in the local newspaper.

"Mary opened the paper before, and there was a piece in it called 'Out and About in Athlone'. Mary nearly died! The headline read, 'Is there more than one Kevin Connaire?' There were six pictures of different pubs in Athlone, and he was in every one of them!" Conor recalled, to hearty laughter in the church.

"What a guy. A loveable rogue, he never worried a bit. He would just laugh away at all of us worrying about life.

"He loved the craic, loved life, and loved people. Kevin regarded everyone as his friend," said Conor.

The service included tasteful musical performances, such as On Eagle's Wings, Hallelujah, The Bright Blue Rose and The Lonesome Boatman. Burial took place afterwards in Coosan cemetery.

May Kevin rest in peace.