Tears flow as mourners bid farewell to 'proud Kerry man' Michael Gaine
Friends and family gathered on Saturday to bid an emotional final farewell to tragic murder victim Michael Gaine at his funeral in Co Kerry.
The 56-year-old farmer was last seen alive on March 20, with his remains found on his land and in a slurry tank on his farm almost two months later on May 16. Gardai are treating his death as a homicide.
Mourners packed into Holy Cross Church in Kenmare on Saturday to pay their final respects to the hugely popular farmer and support his family.
Mr Gaine's cousin Eoghan Clarke remembered him as a "proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man", while celebrant Fr George Hayes told the congregation at the funeral mass he was someone who "loved much and was much loved".
During the emotional ceremony, family and friends brought mementoes representing Mr Gaine's life to the altar, including a wedding photo of the popular farmer and his wife Janice, along with a photo of Mr Gaine on his quad with his faithful cavalier dog Teddy.
As the ceremony ended, Fr Hayes said: "Before we go your separate ways let us take leave of our brother Michael. One day we shall joyfully greet Michael again when the love of Christ which conquers all things destroys even death itself."
At the request of Mr Gaine's family, his final resting place will be private.
See pictures from an emotional day below
A rally car carrying the urn of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is driven around the town of Kenmare following his funeral (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) 1 of 14
The urn of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine inside a car following his funeral at the Holy Cross Church in Kenmare (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) 2 of 14
A rally car carrying the urn of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is driven around the town of Kenmare following his funeral 3 of 14
A rally car carrying the urn of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is driven around the town of Kenmare following his funeral (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) 4 of 14
Mourners leaving following the funeral of murdered Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine at the Holy Cross Church in Kenmare. (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire) 5 of 14
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