Grieving sister describes tragic David as devoted brother, son and father

The heartbroken sister of tragic dad David Boland described him as the most “loving and generous” brother, son and father at his large funeral attended by up to 1,000 mourners in Nurney this week.

Siblings Cathriona and Maria promised that they would “look out for” the dad-of-one’s “little man” - eight-year-old Cormac.Family members and a large circle of friends, including from motorbike groups, gathered at the Sacred Heart of Christ Church to bid a sad farewell to the much-loved 34-year-old.

 Mourners comforted David’s distraught parents Lily and Peter as well as his girlfriend Sarah.

David was fatally stabbed in Athy town centre in the early hours of November 1.

David's sister Cathriona told the congregation: “What can I say about David? He was kind, loving, generous and very hardworking.

"But most importantly he was the most devoted son, brother and father.

"He was so proud the day Cormac was born. He stood 10-feet tall.

Then Cathriona added: "We promise you David that we’ll look out for your little man.”

Gifts brought to the altar included a picture of Cormac and symbols to represent David's love of motorbikes.

Chief Celebrant Fr Adrian Carberry said: “Premature deaths from illness or after an accident of some kind is shattering for the mourners left behind in any event, but violent deaths are of a different order. It should not happen.

"Thou shalt not kill. It is so patently wrong and destructive and against every fiber of our nature to take another life.

“And while the law will take its course there is no turning back the clock to return David to his loved ones.

"Instead they have to try to learn to live without him. His memory will be precious to his family for every moment of their existence but they will never have back again in this life."

A 20-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death.