Derek 'Mono' Monaghan was remembered by his children as the "greatest man to ever live" as Johnny Logan performed Hold Me Now in his memory at his funeral mass yesterday.
Mourners packed into the Christ the King Church in Cabra yesterday afternoon wearing the red and black of his beloved club Bohemian FC. Among those offering their condolences was President Michael D Higgins whose Aide-De-Camp Commodore Brian Walsh spoke to Mono's family at the mass.
Among the symbols of Mono's life shared by his friends and family was a packet of sports mix jellies which were his favourite, a family picture from last Christmas, his microphone that he used to entertain people all around Dublin and his favourite Bohs mug and jersey to show his devotion to the club and his love for a cup of tea. His children Adam and Zara and brother Graham remembered him fondly.
Read more: Bohemian FC legend Derek 'Mono' Monaghan funeral to see wave of red and black descend on Cabra
Zara said: "My dad was the greatest man to ever live. He was one in a million. Standing here is one of the hardest things I will ever have to do but I know deep down that I am one of the three most luckiest people to have someone who brought so much happiness, kindness and love not only into our lives, but the lives of others.
"I am proud to stand here and call him dad. Not only was he my best friend, he was a dad, a husband, a son, a brother and a friend. He was an earth angel. If he could help you in any way, he would."
Showing her dad's devotion to Bohs, Zara joked: "The only thing he wouldn't be able to help is if me or Sienna brought home a boyfriend who supported Shamrock Rovers."
She continued: "Although he was a Bohs fan, he was a family man first. The day my dad met my mam, Bohs became the second love of his life. No matter how busy his work schedule was, he always had time for us. True love is such a rare thing and I know the bond between my mam and dad will never be broken. We were reared on true love, my dad showed us what being a gentleman was all about.
"People like my dad don't come around often and when they do the impact they leave in your life lasts a lifetime."
While Adam added: "You weren't just an amazing dad, you were an amazing role model."
Derek's brother Graham joked: "He would have been in his element this last week knowing everyone had come together for him but even more importantly to be the centre of attention for one last time."
Read more: Fundraiser launched for family of Bohemians legend Derek 'Mono' Monaghan
Graham then told a story of a time the family were in Florida and he was recognised as DJ Mono. He then revealed that Derek's favourite band of all time was the Spice Girls and that when he loved something, he was all in.
Graham said: "[He was the] most dedicated family man I've ever known. He was at his happiest surrounded by his family."
Paul Duffy and Hughie Dempsey from Bohemian FC also paid tribute to Mono, with Paul saying: "You're going to your own marquee now in heaven."
Johnny Logan, who had a special friendship with Derek and paid tribute to him last week, was also in attendance and performed his hit "Hold Me Now" in tribute to Mono. He wore his Bohs jersey and the performance ended with Johnny tearing up and a standing ovation from mourners.
Derek's cremation service was then held at the Dardistown Crematorium later yesterday afternoon. More than €64k has been raised for Mono's family following his tragic death.
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