Our father’s death has left a huge void
Tributes at funeral of man shot at Pete Taylor’s gym
THE son of the man who was shot and killed at Pete Taylor’s boxing club remembered his father as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ family man at his funeral yesterday.
Gary Messett, the son of Robert ‘Bobby’ Messett, said: ‘My Da never sat still for a minute, he loved to keep busy and he did just that.
‘He has left a huge void in our lives that will never be filled.’
Up to 1,000 mourners gathered inside and outside St Mochonog’s Church in Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow, for yesterday’s funeral.
Booklets and memorial cards of the tragic father and grandfather were on display inside the church.
The father of three, who was 50, was shot dead after a masked gunman opened fire early on Tuesday at the Bray Boxing Club, which is owned by Katie Taylor’s father Pete.
The gun attack also left two other men injured, including Mr Taylor.
‘Everyone who knew my dad Bobby knew that he was one of a kind. He packed more into his 50 years than a man who could live to be 100,’ said Mr Messett Jr.
‘He was a family man most importantly, and loved by everyone around him.
‘Although we are all devastated that he was taken so cruelly and way too soon, it gives us some comfort to know that he is reunited with his Ma and Da.’
As the sun shone down on St Mochonog’s Church in his home village of Kilmacanogue, there were emotional scenes as Mr Messett’s coffin was carried up the hill to the church.
His partner Natalie clutched two single red roses as she walked behind the coffin, accompanied by other grieving family and friends. Mourners included former Ireland soccer international Damien Duff. Also present was the garda in charge of investigating the killing, Superintendent Pat Ward from Bray Garda Station.
A guard of honour was formed by the 50-year-old’s soccer club, Glencormac United, and the Bray Wheelers Cycling Club.
Gary told the mourners that sport had played a ‘huge role’ in his father’s life.
Mr Messett’s No 5 Glencormac United jersey, a picture of his pigeons, a Liverpool FC crest, golf balls, a photo of his three grandchildren, his boxing gloves, his cycling helmet, and finally, a bottle of rum to ‘send him on his way’, were brought to the altar. He was remembered also as a very proud and loving grandfather to his three grandchildren, Lily, Darcie and Poppie.
Fr Dan Nguyen, who said yesterday’s Mass, spoke of how he and Mr Messett had struck up a friendship following the death of Mr Messett’s mother Dolores.
‘We gather here at this church in a shocking state. The bad news of last Tuesday morning brought devastating shock to Bobby’s family, friends and local community.
‘The whole nation of Ireland has learned about the tragic death of an innocent man.
‘An overwhelming sense of sympathy and compassion has been felt for his family.’
Mr Taylor and another man, Ian Britton, were injured in the attack, and were also prayed for during the Mass.
None of those caught up in Tuesday’s incident were involved in crime, gardaí have said.
Mr Messett was buried in the adjoining cemetery in the family plot as You’ll Never Walk Alone, the anthem of Liverpool FC, was played to the congregation.
Katie Taylor issued a statement on Thursday regarding the shooting.
The boxer, 31, said: ‘For my Dad, I’m very thankful and relieved he made it through this horrific attack and is recovering well.
‘I understand there is still a lot of uncertainty about the nature of the incident but I’m hoping the gardaí will get to the bottom of it very soon.
She also said: ‘Finally, to Bobby’s family: You didn’t deserve this heartache, I’m so sorry for your loss.’
Mr Messett is survived by his children Gary, Bobby and Demi, their mother Jackie, his partner Natalie and her son Alex, and extended family and friends.
‘Packed so much into his 50 years’ Damien Duff among the mourners