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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
John Hand

Heartbroken brother of Marius Mamaliga thanks him for 'always taking care of me' in emotional funeral tribute

The heartbroken younger brother of Marius Mamaliga thanked him for "always taking care of me" in an emotional tribute at his funeral mass.

Marius, 19, was laid to rest following a service at St Finian's Church in Swords, north Co Dublin.

The apprentice electrician was allegedly stabbed on February 23 before losing his battle for life less than three days later at Beaumont Hospital.

READ MORE: Family of tragic Marius Mamaliga, 19, tell of grief after alleged stab attack: "Our hearts are broken"

Alongside the white coffin at the top of the church was a portrait of Marius along with flowers.

His funeral mass was heard from 16-year-old brother David who hailed his sibling as the "best big brother ever".

David thanked him for the nights they spent watching movies together, for bringing him out with his friends and for all the lifts to "wherever whenever."

And the devastated teenager said: "There are so many other things I'd like to thank him for but I'll just say one more.

"Marius, I want to thank you for being the best big brother ever and always taking care of me.

"I am so glad that I got to spend 16 years of my life following someone as special as you.

"I love you Marius."

Mourners heard how Marius' extended family from Moldova had travelled over to say a final goodbye for him.

Prayers were also said for the first responders at the scene, the gardai and paramedics, along with the medics at Beaumont Hospital.

Priest Fr Des Doyle explained that Marius' organs were donated to others and added: "In his passing, Marius is giving life and hope to others."

Earlier in the mass, Fr Doyle spoke about Marius' shocking death at such a young age.

He said: "The pain and loss of families that want only the best for their children. All of that brings us face to face with the deepest mysteries with life and death, of good and evil."

Marius' life-long friend Corina told mourners of how from a young age he always had a "kind and gentle manner."

She added: "He always cared for everyone around him and you could sense that his loved one's happiness was always a priority for him.

"What made Marius so special and so genuine is that bringing people joy is what made him truly happy.

"There was never a dull moment or a bad memory when you were with him. He had the ability to instantly lighten the mood and in a matter of seconds have you smiling. His aura beamed happiness and life."

She said he was hard-working and added: "At one time was working two jobs to reach his goal of buying his car when he reached 18 years of age. He was a man of his word and truly admirable."

Corina recalled the fond times they had together with their group of pals.

And she said: "Marius may be gone but the love and memories are permanent. Thank you Marius for all of the beautiful memories and for being somebody I will always look up to.

"You were truly one of a kind. I will love you forever until we meet again."

The remains of Marius, who is survived by his brother and parents Inga and Victor, were brought to Dardistown Cemetery following the mass.

A court has heard that Marius was stabbed in the neck during an alleged incident on the evening of Thursday, February 23.

Brandon Gavin, 20, of Rivervalley, Swords, North Co Dublin, is charged under the Non- Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for causing serious harm to Mamaliga.

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