The Irish League family united as one on Tuesday to bid farewell to Cliftonville legend Tommy Breslin.
Hundreds of mourners from the world of sport, television and politics attended the 58-year-old's funeral at St Gerard's Church on the Antrim Road in North Belfast.
Tommy died suddenly while on a family holiday in Spain on August 7.
Among the mourners were Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey, Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter, former Portadown and Glentoran manager Ronnie McFall and Linfield legend Glenn Ferguson, as well as players and officials - past and present- from Cliftonville.
They were joined by comedian and Reds fan Tim McGarry and Sinn Fein representatives Gerry Kelly and Caral Ni Chuiln as one of the most popular and widely respected figures in Northern Ireland football was laid to rest.
"It is a very emotional day, one filled with tears, laughter and applause," Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor said.
"I think everyone in attendance today did Tommy proud because it was a tremendous send-off from all sections of the Irish League, not just Cliftonville.
"It was befitting of the person Tommy was.
"Father Gary Donegan was brilliant in capturing who Tommy was, both inside and out of football. Fr Donegan shared some great quotes from Tommy's career in the Irish League.
"The church was packed. You could have filled it two or three times over, which shows you the warmth and affection Tommy was held in."
Mr Breslin helped Cliftonville win historic back-to-back league titles in 2013 and '14, earning him and his players legendary status at the North Belfast club.
He won a total of eight trophies during his four-and-a-half years at the Reds helm before stepping down in September 2015.
Following the service at St Gerard's Church, the funeral procession made its way to Solitude where a minute's applause was held Mr Breslin's honour.
"The crowd that gathered at Solitude was incredible," Lawlor added.
"At the ground the coffin was carried by Peter Murray, Tommy's assistant during their time at the club, and former captains George McMullan and Chris Scannell.
"Current manager Paddy McLaughlin and captain Chris Curran also carried the coffin, so it was very symbolic."
In another touching gesture, current Premiership champions Linfield donated the Gibson Cup for the day, with the league trophy wrapped in red and white ribbons.
"That was a nice touch from Linfield, and again shows you how popular and respected Tommy was," Lawlor said.
"It was a very sad day, but hopefully everyone did Tommy proud."
Father Gary Donegan also paid tribute to Mr Breslin during Tuesday's funeral service.
He said: “We acknowledge the reflections of the wider community, in particular the sporting community in the loss of Thomas.
“He's known as King Tommy of Cliftonville, the same as King Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool and why is that? It's because he's such a die hard Manchester United fan.
“We say to Tommy thank you for all that he gave. Not just just to his family but to our community, our faith, to our nation.
“There was not a sectarian bone in you, you were a man who actively tried to bring about peace through the work with people.
“May we honour him by each one of us taking up that mantra of peace.”
Mr Breslin's funeral cortege made its way to Roselawn Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.
He is survived by his partner Valerie and sisters Bernadette, Anne, Maura and Paula.
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