Family 'numb' after millionaire's death

The family of millionaire businessman Patrick Rocca, have been left numb by his sudden death, mourners at his funeral were told today.

Celebrities from the worlds of sport, broadcasting and politics were among hundreds of mourners who spilled out of a small stone church on the outskirts of Dublin to bid a final farewell to the entrepreneur.

The 42-year-old, who built on his family’s fortune during the Celtic Tiger boom years, was found in his home on Monday with a gunshot wound.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death but foul play is not suspected.

Father John Daly told mourners at the funeral mass at St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, that the family had been left “numb” by the tragedy.

He said it would be a dishonour to Mr Rocca’s wife Annette, their two sons Patrick and Stuart, and his parents Paddy and Maureen to dwell on the circumstances of his death.

Nor would he be dwelling on his worldly success as a businessman, he told the congregation, among them goalkeeper Shay Given.

Instead, he said he wanted to highlight the generosity of Mr Rocca, who gave money to charities and hospitals.

Fr Daley said it was to miss the point that the property investor had the wealth to give away, because everybody knew people, both rich and poor, who were mean.

“Patrick was not one of them,” he said.

Mr Rocca’s sister Michelle Rocca, the partner of Van Morrison, was among family members who paid tribute.

He was beautiful and kind, and he was not gone but was just in another place, the former Miss Ireland said.

“We love you, Patrick,” she added.

During the Communion, former Eurovision song contest winner Paul Harrington performed 'Amazing Grace' and Elton John’s 'Candle In The Wind'.

RTE presenter Brian Ormond sang another Elton John song, 'The One'.

Outside, two priests walked around the churchyard to give Communion to scores of mourners who were forced to brave the biting cold and winter rain as the church was filled to capacity.

Mr Rocca’s coffin was taken from the church to a Bentley hearse, adorned with a floral tribute that spelled out “King”, as up to 40 schoolboys from the nearby Castleknock College formed a guard of honour.

Also among the mourners were former taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s ex-wife Miriam Ahern, radio broadcaster Ian Dempsey, Olympic athlete Eamonn Coughlan, politician Michael Mulcahy and model Glenda Gilson. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Mr Rocca was a member of one of Ireland’s most prominent business families His body was found on Monday morning at his home in an expensive residential development on the edge of Dublin’s Castleknock Golf and Country Club.

Speculation has mounted that his investments suffered badly in the last few months as the recession took hold and share prices collapsed.

His sudden death has come as a huge shock to Dublin’s social set. Mr Rocca had reportedly enjoyed Saturday night at one of the capital’s most exclusive members’ clubs, Residence on Stephen’s Green, and dined with friends on Sunday evening.

He was involved in property in both Ireland and Britain through his company Accorp Properties, which is based in Dun Laoghaire, south Dublin.

He and his wife were well-known in social circles and contributed to many charities.

During the boom years, Mr Rocca is reported to have completed about 20 property deals in the UK worth up to €300m.