DAD WAS ONE
THE heartbroken son of an innocent man murdered at Bray Boxing Club paid tribute to his “one of a kind” dad yesterday.
More than 1,000 mourners including former Ireland soccer star Damien Duff flocked to the small church of St Mochonog’s in Co Wicklow for the funeral of Bobby Messett.
The 50-year-old was shot dead on Tuesday morning during an attack that also left boxer Katie Taylor’s dad Pete injured.
Friends and members of Glencormac United and Bray Wheelers cycling club also attended the service for the sports enthusiast.
Mr Messett’s son Gary told mourners how much he meant to those close to him.
He said: “As you know my dad Bobby was one of a kind. He packed more into his 50 years than a man who could live to be 100.
“He was so passionate about everything he did and he was a family man more importantly. He was so loved by everyone around him.
“Although we are all devastated 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.”
The congregation heard Mr Messett’s mother Dolores passed away three months ago.
FRIENDS
Gary added: “Sport played a huge role in his life and it’s where he made his closest friends starting with Glencormac United and right through to cycling and all the ones in between.
“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 again.
“Rest in peace da, until we meet again, we all love you.”
Mr Messett’s partner Natalie and other children Bobby and
Demi were comforted by mourners during the service in Kilmacanogue.
Fr Dan Nguyen told the congregation and the hundreds standing outside how much the popular grandfather meant to so many people.
He said: “Our hearts go out to all those who loved Bobby. To all those whose hearts are broken, especially his family members.
“Even though we are all shocked and saddened over what has happened to Bobby, our gathering this morning is to celebrate Bobby’s life and love, friendship, kindness. He was Relative weeps Family members follow the casket well known for his love of family, love for life and passion for many sports.
“He was kind, warm, friendly, gentle and hard-working. He was highly respected and very well talked of.
“Bobby’s life has been cut short. Life is so precious, gift from God.
“He died before his time. He has died too tragically, too soon. “But his tragedy has allowed us to see the remarkable impact Bobby has made on those in his life.
“He inspired so many young people, he touched many lives.
“The whole nation has learned of the death of an innocent man. Many it’s a people have signed books of condolence which shows how much Bobby was loved and liked in his life.”
The congregation was also asked to pray for the quick recovery of boxing coach Pete Taylor and Ian Britton who were shot in the incident.
Gifts brought to the altar by family members and friends included his No 5 Glencormac United jersey, a Liverpool football crest, a picture of his pigeons, a photo of his three grandchildren, his boxing gloves and a bottle of rum to “send him on his way”. Following the funeral his coffin was carried a short distance to an adjoining cemetery as You’ll Never Walk Alone played.
On Thursday, champion boxer Katie Taylor issued a statement
CO WICKLOW YESTERDAY
He has left a huge void in our lives that will never be filled again GARY MESSETT