Family and friends gathered at St John’s Church in Tralee on Sunday morning to say their final goodbyes to the young man.

Michael was a popular and friendly teenager and the sadness of school friends was palpable as prayers were said for him. Many of his school friends held single red roses and cried as his remains were removed from the church.

The mass was celebrated by Fr. Keane, Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan(who christened Michael) and Fr. John O’Rourke who described Michael as a lovely young man.

“Michael was not a statistic he was a bright, cheerful, loving and warming young man, ‘ said Fr O’Rourke.

“He was taught what love is in his home; they showed him not to criticise and not to speak badly about anyone and he didn’t.

“Michael would come home from school and would kiss Jamie, his disabled brother. He would not let his mother lift Jamie, ‘no mom I’ll do it he would say’, “ Fr O’Rourke added.

Fr Rourke said that it must be the worst thing that can happen to any parent to hear that their son has been killed. “One parent is recorded as saying he was a role model for her son and we pray that Michael will be at peace,” he added

A close friend of Michael’s, David Murphy, who spoke at the Mass, described him as a fantastic friend.

“Your friendship means so much to me, from the first time I met you in secondary school you’ve been a great friend, always seeing the funny side of things and always listening. It is easy to see why you have so many friends,” he said.

He said that Michael was a great footballer and a great socialiser who had no shortage of admirers.

“His family were important to him, especially his two brothers and he had immense admiration for his mom and the care she took of Jamie,” he said.

“It is the little things we will always remember: the crazy dance moves, the way you put your hand on your chin when making a point. We will always remember you, you are a true friend.”

A guard of honour was formed by his fellow team-mates at Kerins O’Rahillys where Michael played since a young age and the familiar club flag was placed over his coffin.

His school friends also formed a guard of honour as the funeral made its way to Rath Cemetery where Michael was laid to rest.

Michael's Birthday was 22nd June, he would have been 26 years old in 2014.