Irish actor Colin Farrell paid tribute to his late father, Eamon Farrell at his funeral.
Eamon Farrell, who enjoyed a successful career with Shamrock Rovers, passed away "after a long illness bravely born" at Beaumont Hospital this week.
On Saturday, a requiem mass took place at the Church of Our Lady of Victories on Ballymun Road in Dublin.
In his tribute, Colin Farrell said that he was "proud" to call Eamon his father.
"As I grew into manhood, and particularly as I too became a dad, all I could and can remember are the good times. More importantly, all I can feel are the good times we shared. Of course I feel them now through the lens of loss, these moments frozen in time", Colin Farrell said.
Farrell also said he had fond memories of being coached by his father in Castleknock Celtic Football Club. Saying that he knew football "inside and out", Farrell said that his father had a mischievous side.
"It was both brilliant and terrifying. All I wanted to do was impress you. It (football) was such a huge part of your life and you passed your love for it onto me in ways that will stay with me forever.
"You were a God to me growing up. And even in my early childhood, in my early adulthood, during my drinking days".
"Even though I was from the mean streets of Castleknock, I'd seek out the inner city pubs that had all the old fellas in them. So that I could tell anyone who would listen who my dad was. The famous Shamrock Rovers star Eamon Farrell.
"So I could nonchalantly find a way to drop it in to a bit of banter. And each time I would get the same response "Eamon Farrell was your da?", he added. "The thrill I would get. Like I was learning about that life you lived before we came into your world. I remember telling you that each one of them would say the same thing "Jaysus your dad had a lovely touch of the ball. I was so proud you were my father".
Elsewhere, Colin Farrell also stated that the family were delighted that Eamon found love again with his second wife Eileen Pollard, whom he married almost a decade ago.
He said: "Me and brothers and sisters are glad to know the joy you felt in the last chapter of your life. It meant so much to us that you found love again again and married your beloved Eileen. You loved her sons and daughters, and they loved you in kind".
Farrell also said that he and his siblings were grateful to their father for how hard he worked to provide for them. He also said that he touched the lives of so many, through his various dealings with customers as a businessman.
"You started your working life as a footballer. Then you had a fish and chip shop and a few restaurants, a newsagents, a Spar, an import and export business and finally a chain of health food stores which you ran with your dear friend Gareth. You worked so hard all your life. Whether you were 'Mr Farrell, or Eamon or Eamo’ people really loved you dad".
Eamon Farrell played for Shamrock Rovers during the 1960s, winning the FAI Cup in 1962, while his brother Tommy won a league and FAI Cup double in 1964.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, and his children Eamon, Catherine, Claudine and Colin. He is also missed by Rita (Colin's mother), as well as step children, William, Keith, Sandra, Aidan, Deborah, Karl, Ciarán, and Gary.
