Team mates and managers pay tribute
The funeral of former Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller has taken place.
A requiem mass itookplace at the Church of St John the Baptist in Ovens, Co Cork, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
The former Sunderland, Celtic and Manchester United player died on Friday at the age of 36 after suffering from cancer.
Former Republic player and manager Steve Staunton attended the funeral, along with Roy Keane, Martin O’Neill and John O’Shea. Miller’s former Republic team-mates Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady also attended.
Miller, who also counted Leeds among his clubs, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Miller grew up in Ovens, a village in County Cork, and although he played Gaelic football, his real passion was soccer, with a fondness for Celtic taken from his father Billy, a Scotsman from Motherwell.
Celtic players wore black armbands in Mr Miller’s memory during their William Hill Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle on Saturday.
David Beckham and Wayne Rooney were among those who led the tributes to their former Manchester United team-mate.
Beckham posted: “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family .. Rest In Peace”.
Both played with the 36-year-old during his twoyear spell at Old Trafford in the 2005/06 season and the club expressed their sympathy on Saturday.
A tweet read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our former midfielder Liam Miller. We extend our condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
In Ireland, where Miller won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland, he has been described as a major loss to Irish sport.
Republic manager O’Neill has described Miller as a “fantastic man”.
O’Neill, who gave Miller his Celtic debut, said: “Liam’s passing is very sad and he will be greatly missed. He was an excellent footballer and a fantastic man.”
Irish president Michael D Higgins said it was with great sadness that he had learned of the death of Miller, who brought skill and passion to his career in football at home and abroad.