Ireland and Brighton star Shane Duffy bids final farewell to his father Brian - 'a true family man'

Brian who died suddenly at his home in Derry on Monday, aged 53, was described by Rev. Michael McCaughey as a 'true family man' and a 'character who was loved and respected' by many.

The father-of-three, originally from Letterkenny, played a major role in his son's football career and was 'greatly respected in sporting circles', mourners were told.

Father McCaughey said Brian 'valued the gift of life' and took great pride in his family: "We ask you to pray for the soul of Brian, thanking God for his life and influence, his family influence.

"He so much enjoyed football," he added. "Of course that interest in supporting football brought him great joy and most recently he was so proud of Shane and his football achievements. His great pride in his son was reflected in his great pride in his family. He was a great husband and father, grandfather and a good brother and, I'm told, a good son."

The priest added that Brian had been 'in the midst of grief' himself following the recent passing of his mother, Martha.

"His sudden passing creates a great sense of shock and adds to the great pain of today. Hearts are broken and, indeed, for the second time within 10 weeks, Brian's family gather, as 10 weeks ago he lost his mother.

"I always believe there's a great pain in the death of someone like Brian who was in the prime of his life. He was, I'm told, a character loved and respected who enjoyed the banter with people.

"Over the last few days we've heard and read about his interest and support of football from his early days with Letterkenny and Donegal Schoolboys. He was a centre half himself and trialled for different clubs.

"Brian was in the midst of caring for others and to be taken so suddenly ill and passing away creates a great sense of heartbreak. We thank God for the life and the love that he has created.

"In the midst of this grief and sadness, we pray that Brian is at peace."

Brighton & Hove Albion and Ireland star, Shane, had paid an emotional tribute to his father earlier this week, describing him as his 'hero' and 'idol'.

Posting on Instagram, the Derry man said: "You weren’t just my dad, you were my hero, my idol. I’ll miss ringing u after the match and you telling me how sh**e I was [sic].

"Daddy I love you and miss you. Look after us all now. Every time I put that green shirt on for our country I’ll be thinking about you because I know how proud you were of me playing for Ireland.

"Love you and miss you."

Brian is survived by his wife, Siobhan, his three children, Nicole, Shane and Tony, his siblings, Jackie, Michelle and Mark and grandchildren, Faye, Lucas, Reeva, Mason and Miya.