FORMER Republic of Ireland star Liam Miller was remembered today as hundreds of mourners attended the late footballer’s funeral in Co. Cork.
Miller, who was just 36, died on Friday following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
The ex-Celtic and Manchester United footballer was hailed as an “inspiration” at the Church of St John the Baptist in Ovens, Co. Cork.
Among the mourners were Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, assistant Roy Keane and Miller’s former international teammates John O’Shea, Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady.
Also in attendance was Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin, developer Michael O'Flynn and the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley.
Commandants Brian Walsh and Caroline Burke represented President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Fr Liam Hickey gave a heartfelt homily reflecting on Liam’s success as a footballer both in Ireland and abroad.
He said that the late Corkman “completed his life to the full” and was a loving, caring husband and father-of-three.
Fr Hickey added: "Liam fought his illness with the same resilience with which he played.
The Scotsman: Funeral for ex-Celtic and Hibs midfielder Liam Miller held https://t.co/bZV7ywKLIn
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“Liam used his talents to the full in such a short time. He gave so much joy to people and honoured the God who gave him those talents.
“He brought immense pride to his family and his home place and lived every young man's dream."
The Offertory Gifts included three jerseys for Ireland, Celtic and Manchester United as well as photos of Miller’s closest loved-ones.
The Irishman, who grew up locally in Ovens, was later laid to rest in the Church of St John the Baptist’s adjoining cemetery.
Tributes flooded in for the tragic 36-year-old over the weekend, with his beloved Celtic – who he played for 44 times – tweeting: “Everyone at @CelticFC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Liam Miller.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Liam, YNWA."
Celtic players wore black armbands in memory of their former midfielder during their William Hill Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle on Saturday.
Miller, whose father Billy was a Scotsman from Motherwell, was a huge Celtic fan having played in green and white between 1997 and 2004.
Manchester United players also paid tribute to the Irishman, wearing black armbands in their narrow 0-1 away defeat to Newcastle yesterday.
After leaving United in 2006, Miller later cited then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson as one of his biggest influences in football, alongside his family and Martin O’Neill.
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