A spiritual farewell tribute was held in Howth yesterday in memory of Daragh Aherne Clarke, the son of Barney McKenna from the Dubliners.
The tribute took place just hours after an emotional service which was attended by his family and those who knew him yesterday in Dardistown. Friend Janis Redmond told Dublin Live: "There's so much I could say about Daragh, all my memories, and my thoughts. He was a good and very close friend.
"We used to do things on our own, like walks to the pier and to the beach. He was just a big ball of energy and force with his big hair. He was such a lovable character and had so many friends here.
Read more: Tributes flow after death of The Dubliners' Barney McKenna's son Daragh
"When he came to Howth, we embraced him so much because of his connections to his father because he was like his dad. He loved the Irish heritage and Howth people and integrated so well when he came here and we just want to pay tribute to him today."
Daragh's late father Barney's graveside cross was raised in the air accompanying his son's memorial gathering. A special raft was filled with flowers and memories of Daragh, including his boots, items of clothing and a glitterball.
It was then carried by close friends in procession followed by dozens more all dressed in elegant attire, chanting his name and blowing bubbles - a favourite pastime of Daragh's. The procession slowly made its way from Church St where he lived, down Abbey St, past O'Connell's pub by the East Pier, up Balscadden Road, where it was then lifted over a wall and finally rested onto the stunning Balscadden Beach.
Musician Glen Dunne payed a heartfelt tribute and said: "We are here to celebrate the story and spirit of our good brother Darragh." He then sang a song he wrote in memory of his pal.
Other well-known Irish reels were played as passengers travelled on board an engine powered dinghy into Balscadden Bay Beach, to participate in this unique and special occasion. After a toast and shedding of tears to the much-loved Howth resident, the raft was stripped of his personal belongings and gradually pushed out to sea where it was lit on fire by a hammer torch, in a scene which had all the hallmarks of a Viking tradition.
A celebration of Daragh's life then continued into the late hours in the Abbey Tavern Howth after. Daragh died suddenly, at home on March 15. He was the beloved son of Helen Aherne O’Brien and David Clarke, stepfather Kevin O’Brien and predeceased by his father Barney McKenna. Daragh will be sadly missed by his brother Liam Aherne Clarke, sister-in-law Pamela, nieces Grace and Sophie, nephew Matthew, uncles, aunts, cousins and a large circle of friends.
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