MOURNERS at a memorial service for popular GAA player David Gavin, feared drowned in Canada, were told he was 'smiling right to the end'.
Mr Gavin, 26 and originally from Castlebar, Co. Mayo, is presumed to have drowned after an incident Friday, June 30 in British Columbia.
After he failed to surface, officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and a dive team conducted a search with a local search and rescue tea but failed to locate the Mayo native.
After a number of days searching, RCMP stood down the police search, and Mr Gavin is presumed drowned.
At a memorial service for the popular player in his native Castlebar on Wednesday, Mr Gavin's uncle Brian Gavin told mourners that he is 'now at peace in the most beautiful places of the world'.
He said: “David was so happy in Canada with Ciara and they made great friendships. Ciara, you and David were so lucky to have had each other in each other’s lives for over nine years and I know you made David so very happy.
“David loved Canada for so many reasons. He found a job he loved and the Canadian way of live suited David, it was quite relaxed, just like him.
“We know that David was smiling right to the end as just before the accident he told the lads that he was in paradise.
"Today we should all smile that big David Gavin smile and be thankful that he was part of all of our lives.
"As the search for David continues, we hope that we will be able to bring him home to Mayo some day but, for now, we will keep David close to our hearts," he said, according to the Mayo News.
Chief celebrant of the service, Fr John McCormack recounted the day of the tragic accident, saying 'something went wrong'.
“Innocently, some of them walked over to a bridge that overlooked this beautiful place," he said. "It was at a height that David was comfortable with. He had often jumped from higher heights before and there was no sign of danger.
“David was the first to jump and something went wrong when he hit the water, resurfaced and then disappeared. Something went wrong. His friends responded immediately but were unable to trace David.
"What went wrong we don’t know and we will never know unless David is found. In the mean time speculation won’t give us answers.
“David Gavin was gifted. Gifted academically, athletically and artistically. He was a gifted, humble, kind person. A wonderful example of humanity at its best."
Brian Gavin also added that although his life was cut short, he accomplished so much.
“David had 9,610 days that he lived, laughed and loved and every day counted,” he said. "David, although his life was cut short, accomplished so much and had so much to be grateful for that we can say his life was not wasted.
“The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long and, you, my friend, have burned so very, very bright. Until another day David, fly high and shine bright.”
