IRELAND goalkeeper Shay Given and FAI Chief Executive John Delaney were among hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral today of an Irish soccer fan who drowned during Euro 2012.
James Nolan, 21, was a student. He drowned after falling into a river in the city of Bydgoszcz.
His Requiem Mass took place at the Church of Our Lady in Blessington today. Donegal man Shay had gone to the funeral to represent the Irish squad. Robbie Keane’s wife Claudine was also there.
Parish priest Fr Tim Murphy told Mr Nolan’s family that the community would support them through this difficult time.
He said: “We’re full of grief and our hearts are broken because a beautiful young man has been taken from us.
“There’s a great Polish word called solidarity and we’re here very much in solidarity with Jimmy and Essie and Susie and Andy and all the family.”
Mr Nolan’s uncle Noel told mourners that it was hard to comprehend that James was gone.
He said: “It’s just so hard to try and understand why this had to happen to our family.
“James was only 21 years old. I ask myself why. I don’t have any answer. Nobody has an answer. Maybe God has.”
Members of Blessington FC, James’ team, formed a guard of honour outside the chapel.
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