Emotional homecoming for beloved Boyzone star

BOYZONE’S Stephen Gately was given an emotional homecoming last night as the pop star made his final journey back to his working-class roots.

Heartbroken parents Margaret and Martin joined the singer’s four devastated band mates and manager Louis Walsh to pay respects at a private prayer vigil and wake in Dublin’s north inner city.

About 300 local people and fans lined streets near St Laurence O’Toole Church paying their own tribute to the star with a gentle applause.

Local resident Bernadette Manly said they had come out in support of Gately’s parents, brothers Mark, Alan and Tony and devoted sister Michelle. “You couldn’t get better people,” she said.

The grief-stricken Boyzone members paid tribute to Gately and their fans as they brought his remains home from Majorca.

Ronan Keating stood with Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy and said they were truly overwhelmed at the support they received in the week since he died.

“The countless messages of love and support we have received this week have truly overwhelmed ourselves and the Gately family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one of them.”

It was the first time they have spoken publicly since the 33-year-old singer was found dead in his apartment last Saturday on the Spanish holiday island.

Keating and Lynch arrived with their wives ahead of Duffy and Graham to console the family as Gately’s brother Mark hugged and comforted his mother.

Gately was flown home on a private plane with the remaining Boyzone members and his civil partner Andrew Cowles — who was greeted at the funeral home with a huge round of applause.

The weary looking band mates have had discreet tattoos in honour of Gately, with “76 09” clearly etched on Keating’s upper arm and Lynch’s hand. The four will perform at the funeral Mass tomorrow at midday.

The singer’s body was brought to Jennings Funeral Directors in the Coolock area before being taken to Seville Place — a stone’s throw from where the singer played as a youngster.

Old friends and neighbours stunned at the singer’s sudden death, have spent several days cleaning the nearby church and surrounding area.

Gerry Fay, of North Wall Residents Association, said everyone in the area was still in disbelief. “When Stephen came home he was just Stephen, there was no big deal,” said Mr Fay.

“He wasn’t the Stephen they all talk about, he was just an ordinary person.”

Fans from as far away as Taiwan have travelled to Dublin for the funeral. Wendy Lee spent €1,000 and travelled more than 12,500km for 24 hours to reach her idol’s hometown.

“I want to say my final goodbye,” said Ms Lee with tears in her eyes.

“Stephen was my favourite. I don’t know why — he was just so lovely.”

A funeral party catering for 450 invited guests will be held in the Four Seasons Hotel, Ballsbridge, this evening.

Gately’s partner has asked that mourners make a donation to the Caudwell Children Charity, of which the pop star was an ambassador, instead of sending flowers.