Unusual detail at Michael Gaine's funeral amid tears as murder suspect stays away

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There was an unusual feature at the funeral of Michael Gaine which took place in Kenmare, Co Kerry, with his wife Janice leading mourners at his funeral mass on Saturday morning. 

Michael Gaine was reported missing 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.

Gardaí continue to probe the death of Michael Gaine and are treating the case as a homicide. On Saturday, June 7, family and friends, including his wife Janice, attended his funeral mass at Holy Cross Church, Kenmare. A man arrested, questioned and subsequently released over the killing spoke to say he would not attend the funeral earlier this week.

The celebrant for the funeral Mass was Father George Hayes, Parish Priest of Kenmare, who was joined by Father Sean Murphy, Assistant Priest, Kenmare.

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In an unusual move, the eulogy was delivered prior to the actual funeral mass as Michael's cousin Eoghan Clarke spoke glowingly about the beloved farmer. Symbols of Michael's life were presented at the altar, also before the funeral mass.

Michael's coffin was adorned with a portrait photograph of the popular farmer who was also a rallying enthusiast. The mementos presented included a photograph of Michael on his quad with his beloved dog Ted, a photograph of his parents, a photo of Michael and Janice at a wedding, a CD representing his love of music,

ABOVE: Michael Gaine's wife Janice arrives at his funeral mass in Kenmae PIC: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Speaking in his eulogy, Michael's cousin described him as "proud man" known for his work, "ethic, personality, humour and kindness."

He said he was "brave, fearless and strong" but had a softer affectionate side and "saw the good in everyone."

Mr Clarke said he had "time for everyone" and would always help those who needed it. He quoted one of Michael's friends who said, "I will always remember the way you offered help before I ever even needed it."

Eoghan said: "By virtue of his incredible character, he attracted a lot of good people in his life. My own friends describe Mike has someone who instantly gelled with them. He made them feel at ease immediately and he showed a genuine interest in them."

The eulogy continued: "He had a photographic memory for faces, for places, for facts and for words. Personally, this was always one of the most fascinating things to me about Michael. It was his ability to put in a full day's shift on the farm and then chat about politics, world events or economic developments while being fully up to speed on all of them."

Eoghan revealed how Michael met his wife Janice in the Riversdale one fateful New Year's Eve. She had come from Jakarta to visit her parents in Kerry for Christmas. The pair kept in touch as Janice went on her travels again.

"For the next few years, Michael kept Telecom Eireann in business feeding coins into one of the payphones in Kenmare just to speak to Janice in Indonesia, and then in Taiwan where he went to visit her. And the rest is history and from the outside looking in, Michael and Janice had a truly beautiful relationship. It always struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and how they both spent not just time, but quality time, together," Eoghan said.

He added: "Janice and Michael’s sisters will know better than anyone that Michael had a soft, caring side. In Janice’s own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving. Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally and, as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically too!"

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The mass was told Michael loved all animals, particularly sheep dogs, sheep and lambs. Eoghan said: "And of course, I have to mention Teddy (or Ted - Michael and Janice’s Cavalier dog. Michael and Janice loved Ted dearly. Ted would come to Dublin with Michael as he dropped Janice to the airport. Ted would sit in the front seat of the Rav while you were in the back, and you wouldn’t dare to suggest to swap places with Ted!

"Michael would proudly introduce Ted to anyone new and tell them about his likes and dislikes! Ted liked a biscuit, some Tayto and on the very rare occasion, a drop of Carlsberg. Mike would proudly tell you that Ted knew the colour of the green beer can and that no other beer would scratch Ted’s itch. While Ted has sadly passed away after a long life with Michael and Janice, there is comfort in knowing that Alfie (also a Cavalier) and Michael had bonded too in the shorter time that they were acquainted – although Alfie hasn’t reached the legal drinking age in dog years just yet!"

He concluded by saying: "We will all miss Michael terribly. I know I’ll miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry."

PICTURES: Niall Carson/PA