'He was the best dad': Son pays emotional tribute at funeral of Cork postman
The guard of honour made up of colleagues at An Post, that escorted Barry Daly's coffin to its final resting place. Picture: Noel Sweeney.
A young boy whose father died after he was attacked just over a week ago has told mourners at his funeral that he was “the best dad” in the world.
Barry Daly (44) was pronounced dead outside his home in Rockview Terrace in Doneraile, Co Cork in the early hours of last Sunday morning. Three people have been charged with the murder of the father of five.
Archie Daly addressed all those who gathered at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Doneraile for noon requiem mass on Saturday.
The youngster, who made his Holy Communion earlier this year alongside his brother Jaxon, said that his father loved his family with his whole heart.
“Hi. My name is Archie. My Dad was Barry. He was the best Dad. He was a really fun person who always made me laugh. He taught me how to ride my bike. He always played football with me and (my brother) Jaxon. You always brought us to the park.
"You always did my homework with me every day because you thought Katie (partner of Barry) was too silly.
"I will always love you Daddy and I will miss you forever. I will always be there for Granny and my brothers and I will make you proud. I will also take care of your dog ‘Buddy’ forever.”
Chief celebrant at the mass, Fr Aidan Crowley, said that the late Barry Daly was a “colossus of a guy” who always took time to speak to people as he delivered post in nearby Mallow.
Fr Crowley indicated that Mr Daly was a “gentle, courteous, polite, good natured man” who always had a smile for all.
“In modern society we seem to have less and less time. But Barry had plenty of time (for people) as he went around on his rounds talking and listening to people. For some people Barry would be the only person they would see in the course of the day.”
Fr Crowley said that the native of nearby Newtwopothouse was a “people person” who lived a good life. In the course of his his homily he paid tribute to Mr Daly's partner Katie for the “dignity she has shown” since the violent death of her loved one.
Fr Crowley stressed that Mr Daly was “so proud” of his children. He also enjoyed his work.
“He loved going to work, and he brought with him an incredible awareness of other people.”
Fr Crowley said that it was important to remember Mr Daly for the way he lived his life not the “manner of his death.” He added that what mattered going forward was “justice.”
He noted that Mr Daly’s partner Katie was “not interested in anger but interested in justice.”
"That is the least he (Mr Daly) deserves because justice is a virtue that he lived by. It was part of his make up and who he was. There are still questions, but today is not the day for that."
At the close of the mass Fr Crowley said that he was breaking with tradition by not asking God for eternal rest for Mr Daly.
“Be at peace, but don’t rest, because your life has been such an example to the community. We still need your example.”
Offertory gifts at the mass included the late Me Daly's favourite jellies, his beloved white Crocs, a hurley and sliothar, and his An Post uniform.
The song 'True Colours' by Cyndi Lauder was played towards the end of the mass as it was a personal favourite of Mr Daly's.
His colleagues from An Post provided a guard of honour as the coffin was brought from the church to the Old Court cemetery in Doneraile for burial.
Barry Daly is survived by his partner Katie, his five children Ryan, Jayden, Jaxon, Archie and Bodhi, his parents Liam and Ann, his three siblings Denise, Sharon and Sarah, extended family and friends.
Meanwhile, Alex Deady (20) of Glenview, Convent Road in Doneraile and a 17 year old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons appeared before Mallow District Court last Tuesday charged with the murder of Mr Daly.
The 17 year old was remanded in detention to Oberstown Detention Campus whilst Mr Deady was remanded in custody.
A 16 year old boy, who also can’t be named, appeared before Midleton District Court last Wednesday charged with the murder of Mr Daly. He was also remanded in detention to Oberstown pending his next court appearance.
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