Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee were honored as the two men were laid to rest after separate funerals in Sligo and Roscommon counties.
Both men were killed in Sligo last week.
Elfin Bishop Kevin Doran issued personal messages to be read at the funeral services for both men, saying the death of a loved one is never easy.
He added that it was a particularly painful week for both families because they were taken away so suddenly and in full publicity.
Addressing the two families, he said: “I am grateful for the kindness with which you greeted me when I called your home and I know from listening to what you told me that each of you has your own precious memory.
“I hope that in the coming months you will experience, through their occasional visits or phone calls, the healing presence of the Spirit of God working in your life,” he said.
Mr Moffitt, 41, was well known for his active involvement in the local Fine Gael party, and Bishop Doran said his love of politics was embraced at an early age by his father, Tom.
The mourners heard Mr. Moffitt love politics, horse racing, and good night.
Symbols of his life were brought to the altar, including a blue and yellow Roscommon flag, a hammer and briefcase representing his career as an auctioneer, jockey silks from The Real Deal, of which he was a member, Moffitt’s family crest and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Mr. Moffitt’s friend Martin McMahon told the mourners how he received a commemorative gift from a special pin from Fine Gael Sligo to mark the centenary of Michael Collins’ death this year.
His heartbroken friend described the “Big Man” as a source of inspiration for Mr. Moffitt. He said the pain and suffering of Mr Moffit’s loss was indescribable.
In his sermon, family friend Father Michael McManus said he was trying to find words of comfort for the family, but added: “Let’s not make the way to his death a lasting memory. Aidan was a character. He lives his life to the fullest, but always puts his family and friends before his own needs. “
Father McManus said his love for his family had never been more obvious than in the care and attention he showed to his mother, Kathleen.
“He had strong faith and every Christmas and New Year mother and son visited the Knock Shrine for the blessings of the Virgin Mary,” he said.
Mr. Moffit was buried in Lisakul Cemetery with his father Tom and his brother Anthony.
Bishop Doran said 58-year-old Sni has dedicated his working life to caring for the elderly and people with intellectual disabilities.
He was a porter and caretaker at Cregg House and St John’s Hospital.
“It’s a job that requires tenderness and patience. I join you all in thanking today for the gift of his life that has been given so generously in the service of others, “said Bishop Doran.
Some of the symbols brought to the altar in memory of Mr. Snee’s life include a family photo and a photo of his dog Oscar, a coffee cup and his glasses.
In his sermon, Father Noel Rooney, a parish priest at St. Joseph’s Church in Balitivan, spoke of sadness, grief, devastation, disbelief and anger among the local community and beyond.
“Last week, Holy Week, was for Jesus a week of betrayal, agony, suffering and crucifixion. The agony, suffering and crucifixion continue to be a constant reality for Michael’s family, despite the great outpouring of love from their extended family, their friends and their neighbors. The Easter promise of hope seems elusive
Father Rooney said it was important not to allow the horror of Mr Sni’s death to determine his life.
He said he was a handsome, kind and gentle man, always elegant and well presented.
Mr Sni Tina’s sister said her brother had aged gracefully and was like good wine. Oscar, his dog, was the love of his life.
Mr. Snee is buried with his mother, Phil, in Sligo Cemetery.
A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of the two men.
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