Michael Snee has been remembered as a "beautiful, kind and gentle" person, as his funeral mass took place in Sligo this morning.
The 58-year-old's body was found in his apartment at City View, off Connaughton Road last Tuesday night.
Representatives from the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste were in attendance as Father Noel Rooney proclaimed: "It is important today that we do not allow the horror of Michael’s death to define his beautiful life. And what a beautiful life he lived. Many beautiful memories were shared with tears and with laughter over the last few days.
"Michael was a beautiful, kind, and gentle person. He was much-loved and had a heart filled with love. He was sensitive and couldn’t do enough for his family, his friends and those with whom he worked.
"He was a porter/carer in Cregg House and in Saint John’s Hospital. He had a beautiful way with residents, especially with those most complex. He retired about 10 years ago with sight problems.
"He previously worked in various bars here in Sligo: T.Ds., Harry’s, Angler’s Rest, Regan’s.
"Michael was always dapper and well-presented. He wore the best clothes and shoes. Oskar, his dog, was his baby and the love of his life. He was fed the very best of food: steak, pork chops, and chicken, while Michael himself lived on coffee. Oskar is so polite that he would not eat until Michael began to do so.
"He was witty with a typical dry Sligo sense of humour."
Gifts offered included a coffee mug, a picture of Oskar and a set of glasses.
Michael's nephew Aaron gave a touching eulogy, in which he told the congregation that: "Michael was a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a friend - a kind, gentle soul and a true gentleman.
"He was full of mischief. In his youth, Michael travelled all over for one of his loves - Irish dancing. He won many competitions and that was just one of his talents.
"Anyone who ever visited Michael could see he was proud of his home. He loved his garden, his fashion and loved to cook. On the day he was taken, he had cooked a beautiful meal for his family. He even called at dinner time to see if we had enjoyed it.
"Michael was a dedicated uncle and regularly brought his nieces and nephews on holidays. One of the best memories I have was when we were in Gran Canaria - myself and my friend wanted to play mini-golf for two hours.
"When we came back to where he was, Michael had fallen asleep on a sun lounger and was burnt like a lobster. His saying for the rest of the holiday? Moisturise!
"It's the simple things, like him coming into the house, and saying 'arra A, make us a coffee.'
"We love you Mike. We're all going to miss you."
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