Paul Shefflin has been remembered as a 'truly special' man as his funeral mass took place in St Martin of Tours Church in Kilkenny on Tuesday.
The married father-of-four passed away over the weekend while out on a run.
His funeral mass took place on Tuesday afternoon, with the celebrant speaking of the "deep pain" that was now being felt by Paul's family and friends.
"We gather with a deep sense of pain as Paul has been taken from us. To have known Paul, for all of us, was a privilege we are grateful for.
"He had a life which touched so many people. Paul loved his family so much, friends whose lives were enriched because of knowing him. He was in a family which nurtured him with love, care and encouragement and were truly blessed to have Paul.
"Unfortunately, and heartbreakingly, Paul's life ended on Friday, simply going for a run. A run and an activity that comes so naturally to the majority of people here.
"We grieve today for not just the life that has been, but the dreams and potentials in Paul that can never be personally realised. Dreams of the future, ambitions and hopes. But these dreams are and will be realised through his young family.
"Paul's familiar voice, his beauty as a person, his friendship, his beautiful smile, his completive nature, his humility, his physical prescience, his wonderful sense of humour, a shared memory from many family occasions. His deep sensitivity to the needs of others. He was there for them.
"Let us be mindful of the hard work that Paul did in his professional life, his private life, as a father and a son, as a youngest brother - the baby of the family. Paul was truly special and will never be forgotten.
"It is a heartbreak like this which allows us to see the remarkable impact Paul has made on our lives."
A Liverpool fan, Paul's altar was decorated with a YNWA floral arrangement - which stood for the iconic mantra of You'll Never Walk Alone - while his coffin was adorned with his picture.
Gifts brought forward for the offertory included a Marvel comic, Paul's club All-Ireland winning Ballyhale Shamrocks hurling jersey which was signed by the squad, a calculator, and a family photograph.
