Heartbroken family and friends of slain gangster James Whelan marked his 30th birthday with a graveside rave.
Elaborate floral tributes, champagne and balloons livened up the party. James’ mother Sonya danced beside his grave in Dardistown Cemetery, while fireworks were let off and champagne corks popped.
Father-of-one James ‘Whela’ Whelan’s beloved dog was also pictured by his graveside in a one minute 30 secs video of the celebrations. ‘Whela’ was shot dead on April 3, believed murdered as part of a feud involving the notorious Finglas-based drug dealer Mr Flashy.
Read more: Mob boss Mr Flashy to face day in court over stolen booze rap
The video of Whela’s family and friends marking his 30th birthday opens with a tribute with a pal writing ‘Happy birthday to the boss. We all love and miss you terribly.
“No doubt you’re celebrating in style up there like always. With us every step of the way.’
Blue and white floral arrangements featuring the word ‘Son’ and his age with his photo featured are also shown on the video along with a personalised photo frame wishing him a happy heavenly birthday. Bottles of Moet champagne as well as blue balloons are also shown.
As balloons and fireworks are let off in the cemetery, the video is captioned with ‘Always the best for our king’. ‘Whela’s’ elaborate funeral saw him buried in a golden coffin brought to church in a horse drawn carriage covered in white flowers.
Ornate floral displays made in tribute to the slain gangster featured a Lamborghini sports car, a Gucci cap and designer Rolex watches. Other tributes spell out ‘Whela’ ‘brother’ ‘son’ ‘godfather’ and another depicts a joint and a cannabis leaf.
His funeral heard that there is “nothing ever glamorous or blingy about death.”
Fr Seamus Aherne told mourners: “But here is the fact. The person is in a box. Is dead. Won’t live a new life. Won’t grow old. He won’t rear a family. Won’t contribute to society. Won’t add to the flavour and laughter of a community. Death is death. There is nothing ever glamorous or blingy about death.
“Young James is in his coffin. He looks like a teenager. A child really. I know he is nearly 30. But this is how he looks. Nothing can add glamour to this occasion.”
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