St Peter and Paul's Church in Drumconrath, Co Meath, was packed to capacity for Mr McCluskey's funeral, with standing room only as mourners filled every pew and lined the walls. Outside, crowds gathered along the church grounds and tractors lined the village in a mark of respect and honouring Mr McCluskey's love for machinery and farming. Such was the turnout that a livestream of the funeral was set up in the community centre.
He loved sport, not just watching it but entering competitions and pushed his limits in Iron Man and triathlons. His dedication and drive is part of what made him who he was. He also had enormous pride in diving. He lived his life with adventure and travelled far and dreamed big. His final illness took place in Turkey where he didn't expect his journey to end,
Fr Stephen Duffy, who was Mr Hughes' friend, described him as a "proud son of Castleblayney", adding that not only was Mr Hughes a "remarkable person" but also "happened to be a magnificent footballer and sportsman". The priest said Mr Hughes "loved the craic, banter and had a great sense of fun" and he was proud of where he came from.
Thank you for everything, and I know Julia is looking at me from heaven and I believe she will protect me and she will help me to find different light, different life without her. She will give me support, she will give me the power she gave me already I feel, that I can manage - even I didn't expect I could talk to so many people. But, see, she's giving me the power, guys.
We would like to thank everyone for everything you have done for us over the past week. It's amazing to see the people of Carrick-On-Suir and beyond come together and help our family in our time of need. We are so grateful for all the food, flowers, donations and time that people gave us. Also, thank you to Father Paul and the church as well as Joe Byrne the undertaker for his compassion and guidance in this difficult time.
The plot where Ivana was buried has a bouquet of more than two dozen white flowers and a plaque that reads in all capital letters Ivana Trump with the dates she was born and died. The grave is in a place where golfers would not see it as they tee off for a round of golf. The small section of the club is below the backside of the first tee.
During her funeral mass today at The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow town, voices with both Irish and American accents echoed around the church - a testament to the lives Ms Nolan touched, both sides of the Atlantic. Despite her ambition and success in America, Ms Nolan never forgot her Irish roots. Placed next to her coffin was her fashion brand and legacy, East x East, alongside a tin whistle - two symbols representing two very different chapters in Ms Nolan's life.
Megan Royal paid tribute to her mother during the funeral service, highlighting her bright, colorful, creative personality and how she had learned so much from her.
A technical examination was carried out at the scene. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Cork University Hospital for postmortem examinations the results of which are expected today.
