Tributes paid as ‘soft soul’ Marek Skiba laid to rest

Tributes have been paid to Polish national Marek Skiba, 51, described as “a soft soul who only wanted a beautiful ordinary life”.

At his funeral mass at the St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ennis, Co Clare, yesterday, Alan Cooke, selected to speak by Marek’s friends, also told mourners that “Marek’s life was marked by hardship and struggle but also the kindness of others”.

The funeral mass took place three days after comedian Brendan O’Carroll stepped in to volunteer to pay the costs of the funeral. Mr O’Carroll’s pledge on last Friday’s RTÉ’s Liveline followed local undertaker Cyril Cusack stating that he would provide his services.