Tragic gun victim Sandra Boyd will “live on” in the hearts of those who loved her, her sister told her funeral.
Mother-of-five Sandra (36) died after being shot in the chest at her family home in Collins Place in Finglas on the night of Saturday, March 19.
Her brother, Derek Boyd (27) has appeared in court charged in connection with the fatal shooting - accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
And speaking before a packed service in St Canice’s church in Finglas today, one of Sandra’s heartbroken sisters paid tribute to her in an emotional speech.
She said: “Sandra meant so much to everyone who had the privilege to share their lives with her.
“She was so special to everyone, especially her four beautiful sons Ben Jordan Luke and Carter and her baby girl Darcy”
“Sandra came from a large family of seven girls and two boys.
“Sandra was the second oldest of her siblings and was always very protective of everyone she loved.
“Anyone who knew her knew she hit with a heavy hand, which some of her brother-in-law’s experienced.”
She also told how Sandra was known for her self-deprecating humour when it came to her social skills.
She recalled: “We often laughed with Sandra about her people skills. Sandra was so much more sociable when she had a few drinks.
“She often sang quotes to her family members about herself.
"Quoting one: My first instinct when I see an animal is to say hello, my first instinct when I see a person is to avoid eye contact and hope it goes away.”
She ended her speech by saying her sister’s memory would live on in her children, and those closest to her.
She said: “Sandra loved the simple things in life. She never asked for much and all that she had she gave to her children.
“Sandra will live on in so many hearts, especially her children, her Mam, Dad, brother’s sisters nieces and nephews aunts uncles and cousins.
“We would like to thank everybody for your love and support you have given to Sandra and our family over the past week.”
Sandra’s white coffin was brought to the church in a horse and carriage - with a saxophone player playing the song ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay.
Young students from local Beneavin College also formed a guard of honour as the coffin was brought into the church this morning.
Symbols were later brought to the altar by her sons Ben, Jordan, Luke and Carter to symbolise her life.
Those were a bottle of Jack Daniels, a packet of cigarettes, a bottle of perfume and a family photograph.
During his homily, Fr Richard Hyland described how the Boys family has had their lives turned upside down - and how there has been a massive amount of support from friends, family and the community since Sandra’s death.
“Sandra’s idea of a good night was a movie, and loads of goodies for their children,” he added.
"And Sandra delighted in the simplest things of life. No fuss. No bother. Sandra has been taken from us all too soon, and we remember her love, her care, and friendship, and the way our lives have been blessed by her,” he added.
Fr Hyland also offered a Hail Mary prayer for Ms Boyd’s brother Derek, referring to him as his family know him - DJ, asking that Mary take him into her care.
After the funeral mass Sandra’s remains were brought to Glasnevin cemetery for burial.
Read more: Partner of Sandra Boyd pays heartbreaking tribute to tragic Dublin woman on Mother's Day
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