Hundreds of people gathered in Butlerstown today for the funeral mass of the late Jack De Bromhead.
Jack tragically died on Saturday last following an accident at the Glenbeigh Racing Festival in Kerry. He is the son of renowned local trainer Henry De Bromhead, who is best known for training back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup wins as well as winning the Aintree Grand National.
13-year-old Jack is the only son of Henry and his wife Heather, and he is survived by his twin sister Mia, and younger sister Georgia.
A poignant service was held this morning in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown - where friends young and old gathered to celebrate the short but vibrant life of Jack.
Among the mourners were famous faces from across the world of horse racing - such as Charlie Swan, Shark Hanlon, Mouse Morris, Robbie Power and Rachael Blackmore.
Guards of honour were formed by Butlerstown GAA Club, Waterpark Rugby Club and young pony riders from across the country - while other youngsters donned their racing silks and wore bright colours at the request of the De Bromhead family.
Aide-de-camp to Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin, and Aide to President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins were also present. The funeral cortege was led in by three tractors with attendees travelling from as far as Australia and Hong Kong.
Parish Priest, Fr. Pat Fitzgerald told those congregated at the church that Jack "captured the hearts of not just a parish, but of a nation, and far beyond."
"We feel his unthinkable loss most acutely as we watch repeated showings of Jack's beguiling interview with Brian Gleeson, when he answered questions like a veteran about Honeysuckle's upcoming race. We are joining with a family who have scaled the heights of jubilation and which now has to plumb the deepest depths of sorrow - and we must walk with them".
Jack's sister Georgia and twin Mia read prayers of the faithful during the ceremony, in which they paid tribute to their brother.
"He was the kindest, most caring big brother I could ever ask for. He was never scared to stand up for people and was always there for you no matter what", said Georgia.
In a beautiful tribute, twin sister Mia said she felt so lucky to have been born alongside Jack.
"Jack, you were the best brother ever, I got so lucky when you were born with me. I will miss your cheeky smile that made all my friends fall in love with you."
The eulogies were delivered by Jack's parents Heather and Henry De Bromhead and his grandfather Andrew Moffat.
The family expressed their gratitude to the people who have offered their sympathies to them in the past week - adding that each passing face gave them more and more strength.
They shared great stories from Jack's life - including a tale where Larry Hurley once asked Jack what he wanted to be when he was older - his response being: 'Your boss Larry'.
Henry De Bromhead had this piece of advice for everyone present.
"One of the greatest comforts Heather and I have in his passing is that we know how much we loved him. All our kids, they just know how much we love them and we know how much he loved us. I just ask any of you, whoever you love, make sure to tell them. If something like this happens to you, something so tragic happens to you, it's a great comfort. If you could take that away with you, we would really appreciate it."
They signed off with the words that Jack would say to them each night before going to bed - "night Mum, night Dad, love you."
A private cremation ceremony will follow today's funeral mass.
May Jack rest in peace.
