Daughter of Limerick man killed in alleged assault tells mourners she wishes it was 'a bad dream'

THE daughter of a man who died after he was allegedly assaulted at the weekend has told mourners at his funeral how she wishes what happened was a "bad dream".

Friends and family members wept during the funeral of Gerard Curtin (Ger) as the song I Watch The Sunrise by Kathryn Crosweller was sung as his blue-coloured coffin was carried into St John's Cathedral.

A silver framed picture of Ger was placed next to a small flower garland at the foot of the coffin to accompany two big blue bouquets of flowers that were set either side.

The 43-year-old father-of-two from Old Cork Road on the outskirts of the city, died after he was allegedly assaulted in Garryowen at the weekend.

Mr Curtin’s body was discovered by gardaí in the front driveway of a property at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen at around 4.45am on Saturday.

It is understood that he did not live at the property where his body was discovered and gardaí are trying to piece together his final movements from Friday night into early Saturday morning. 

Another man has been charged in relation to his death and is currently before the courts.

Man charged and to appear in court over fatal assault in Limerick

In his homily, Fr Frank O’Connor, who celebrated this Wednesday's Funeral Mass said: “None of us want to be here. There is great shock and sadness in Ger’s death, you all gather in hurt but you also gather in huge distress."

The Mass commenced with a eulogy which was read by Ger's sister-in-law, Bianca, on behalf of Ger's parents Seamus and Helen; his partner Lindsay; Ger's children Lee and Amber and all of the Curtin family.

She said: “We would like to thank the paramedics who arrived at the scene of where Ger’s life was so brutally and callously taken from him who tried their best to save him. Ger was one of 15 (siblings) - 15 very united and loyal siblings. Growing up he was known for his good looks, his cheeky smile, and a real lovable rogue. He was loved by many but feared by more as mad as a brush but had a heart of gold. He was known for his pristine clean appearance and didn’t go far without baby lotion on his face or cleaning his Reebok's with a toothbrush.”

The congregation, at St John's Cathedral, heard how selfless and loyal Ger was during his life. “If you asked him where he got his shirt, he would tell you to keep it as he was taking it off his back. He would take the socks off his feet to give them to you,” said Bianca who added that Ger and his siblings were very close.

“He was very close to every one of his family. Ger liked to think he was head of the family even though he was fourth in line. If you did something wrong to any of them you may have done it to the other 14 and Ger would be the one to let you know.”

Symbols brought to the altar representing Ger’s life included weights to recognise his commitment to fitness, Johnson’s pink baby lotion to represent how Ger kept his youthful appearance, his favourite snack Pot Noodle, a toothbrush and white Reebok trainers he kept clean with the toothbrush and a deck of cards as he loved a game of five lives.

Later, a reflection was read by Leah, on behalf of herself and her mother Lindsay.

“I wish you knew how easy you were to love Ger and how you were your own worst enemy. I wish this was all a bad dream, I could wish forever Ger but the wish to still have you here with me will never come true. My heart is in two thinking how we will never get to grow old together like we planned. One of the last things you said to me was that I was your world and you couldn’t do life without me, now I don’t know how I am going to do life without you.”

The funeral Mass concluded with the song He Ain't Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies, sung by the choir.

“And the load

Doesn't weigh me down at all

He ain't heavy, he's my brother.”