'He loved his little daughter dearly': Funeral takes place of Ukrainian man who was stabbed in Cork

A young Ukrainian man who died last week following a stabbing incident in Cork city centre was a devoted husband whose baby daughter meant the whole world to him, his funeral Mass heard.

Oleksandr Saranchuk Zhyvytskyi (31) died after being assaulted near his home in Camden Court, Carroll’s Quay, on the evening of Monday, March 16.

In a moving eulogy in Cork’s Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne on Tuesday, Mr Zhyvytskyi’s wife Viktoriya said their daughter Yeva had meant everything to him.

“His greatest love in life was his family,” she said, her voice breaking.

“For his loved ones he was someone who would do anything, without hesitation and until the very end.

“He loved his little daughter dearly. She was his whole world, his greatest joy, and the meaning of his life.” 

Oleksandr was a bright, kind and sincere person, with an open heart and a warm nature, Viktoriya told the congregation, and he had a smile that could lift the hearts of all of those who knew him.

“For me he wasn’t just a husband,” she said. “He was my strength, my support and my safe place in life.” 

Hard-working and responsible, he held various jobs over the years, she said, and his most recent position had been with BCL Metal and Ventilation.

“Genuine, cheerful, and sincere with people, he was an example to others through his humanity, kindness, and modesty,” she said.

“He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and loved as a bright and kind person who brought so much love into this world. His life was short but filled with meaning, warmth and authenticity.

“You were my home, my strength and my heart. Our daughter and I will always and forever love you.” 

A congregation of about 100 people gathered for Mr Zhyvytskyi’s funeral Mass, which was concelebrated by Fr Roman Biletskyy, Fr Sean Crowley, and Bishop Emeritus John Buckley.

The Mass was said almost entirely in Mr Zhyvytskyi’s native Ukrainian, with traditional hymns delivered by Fr Biletskyy and cantor Taras Dolynskyi.

Mr Zhyvytskyi’s funeral took place at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully.

Last Thursday evening, a 42-year-old man accused of murdering Mr Zhyvytskyi by allegedly stabbing him in the chest was brought before Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of arresting Jonathan Hennessy, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, and charging him at 4.25pm on Thursday with murder.

Mr Hennessy was remanded in custody to appear again by video link before Cork District Court.