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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Clare McCarthy

Funeral held for dad-of-six 'with heart of gold' Thomas Boyd who was found dead in tent in Dublin

The homeless cousin of Finglas gun victim Sandra Boyd was laid to rest this afternoon after he was found dead last week.

Dad-of-six Thomas Boyd was found dead in a tent in Dublin's city centre in the early hours of March 21.

Gardai are investigating the circumstances of his death after his remains were discovered at Loftus Lane at around 3am.

READ MORE: Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien urged to see reality of homelessness by spending night with volunteers on streets

The grieving Boyd family were hit with a double tragedy as Thomas was found dead just two days after Sandra was tragically killed.

Mum-of-five Sandra, 36, died after a shooting incident at a house in Collins Place, Finglas, west Dublin on the night of Saturday, March 19.

Her brother, Derek Boyd, 27, has appeared in court charged in connection with the fatal shooting - accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Thomas' funeral took place on Tuesday, the day after Sandra's funeral, in the same church, St Canice’s Church in Finglas.

In tributes paid online, Thomas or 'Tomo' Boyd Dowling was remembered as someone who had a "heart of gold" and who "always had a smile on his face".

The notice on RIP.ie reads: "Predeceased by his father Liam and mother Cathy. Unexpectedly. Beloved father of Megan, Nikita, Dylan, Thomas, Aaron, Robyn and the late Michael and loving son of Brendan and the late Cathy.

"Tomo will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his children, grandchildren Frankie, Kayson, Mason, and Darcie-Mae, father Brendan, sisters Helen and Michelle, brothers William and Mikey, grandmother Ann, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours friends and all who knew and loved him. Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers to "A Helping Hand"."

Sons and daughters of Thomas Boyd (L TO R) Megan Walker her son frankie lee, Robyn Walker, Aaron walker, Nikita Walker, Dylan Walker , Thomas Walkerduring a vigil outside the gates of Leinster House, Dublin (Collins)

One person paid tribute in an online book of condolences, writing: "Devastated to hear this, Tomo helped me through a lot of hard times and treated everyone with respect. You will be missed. Rest easy mate."

Another wrote: "I only got to know Tom in the last year or so. He was such a kind, caring and intelligent person. He nearly always had a smile on his face. I will miss bumping into him every day on Capel Street. My condolences to his children, grand children and extended family. Rest in Peace my friend."

A third wrote: "They say God only takes the best and those words are so true dearest tomo you always had a smile a thought and would always be there to help people to listen to people you had a heart of gold had respect for people you were well liked and loved by anyone who knew you."

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