'He was the best dad': Son’s emotional tribute at funeral of murdered Cork postman Barry Daly
The guard of honour made up of Barry Daly's colleagues at An Post, that escorted his coffin to its final resting place.
The young son of postman Barry Daly told mourners at his funeral Mass that his father was “the best dad” and that he would love him forever.
The 44-year-old father of five was found dead outside his home at Rockview Terrace in Doneraile in the early hours of last Sunday morning.
One man and two juveniles have been charged with murder in connection with his death.
On Saturday afternoon, his son Archie paid an emotional tribute to him at the start of his requiem Mass in Doneraile.
Archie, who received his First Holy Communion with his brother Jaxon earlier this year, told the packed Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: “He was the best dad. He was a real fun person who always made me laugh.”
He continued: “He always played football with me and Jaxon, he always brought us to the park.”
Archie also said his dad helped him with his homework and that he would love him forever, promising to look after Barry’s beloved dog, Buddy, and to make his dad proud.
During his homily, Fr Aidan Crowley, the local parish priest, paid tribute to Barry’s partner Katie and “the dignity she has shown.”
He told her she had helped the parish to mourn Barry in its own way, and he urged people not to let Barry’s life be defined by the manner of his death, but instead to remember what he contributed to his family and community.
Fr Crowley said Barry was a “people person” who was remembered for his kindness, warmth, and smile.
He added that what was most important for Barry’s family now was justice, saying: “That is the least he deserves because justice is a virtue that he lived by.”
Fr Crowley concelebrated the Mass with retired priest Fr Martin Heffernan and Fr Eugene Baker, parish priest of Buttevant.
He said the joy of Doneraile’s Junior B North Cork hurling final win had been overshadowed by the death of the popular postman, who loved his work and was well known among his colleagues.
“Barry had plenty of time as he went around on his rounds talking to people, listening to people. And for some people, Barry was maybe the only contact they might have in the course of the day.”
He told his family that Barry had been so proud of them and that he also loved his work as a postman.
He also paid tribute to the dedication of postal staff, a sentiment later echoed by Fr Heffernan.
Among the gifts brought to the altar were Barry’s An Post uniform, carried by his son Ryan, and hurleys and sliotars brought by his son Jayden. A pair of Crocs and a packet of jellies were also placed at the altar.
Following the Mass, Barry’s An Post colleagues formed a guard of honour as his coffin was carried from the church.
Moments earlier, his favourite song, was played.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
