Murdered father of three was the 'biggest supporter' of his children, funeral told
Olivia Kelleher
A teenage girl whose father died in a stabbing incident in Cork city last weekend has told mourners at his funeral that he was her “biggest supporter” who cheered her on from the sidelines every time she had a match.
Mark O’Connell, of Fairfield Green in Farranree in Cork city, was found with injuries outside a property in Hollyville in Hollyhill shortly after 4.30am last Sunday.
Members of the emergency services attended the scene on the northside of Cork city, having received a 999 call. The 38-year-old was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A murder investigation was launched after gardaí received the results of a post-mortem examination carried out by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster.
The results were not released for operational reasons. However, it is understood Mr O’Connell suffered a violent death.
His daughter, Katlyn, paid tribute to her father at his 11.30am requiem mass in the Church of the Resurrection in Farranree on Friday.
Katlyn smiled as she spoke of how much her father loved to dance and sing with her. She joked that he wasn’t skilled in either activity and said that she was fortunate to have had such a loving father.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be up here talking about my dad. My dad was a kind man who always had a smile on his face. I will never forget everything he done for me.
"I used to sit and chat with him all the time. Every Friday morning, when he brought us to school, he would have the song 'It is Friday again' blaring with a smile on his face to make sure we stayed in a good mood," she said.
"Whenever I had a match or even training, I could always hear his voice, and it would always make it better. He cheered for me so loudly. He used (to) always tell his friends how proud he was of me, and I will never forget that.”
Katlyn recalled going ice skating with her father, “who was stuck to the fence the whole time.” She added that the “funniest man” in her life.
Meanwhile, the chief celebrant at the mass was Fr David O’Connell of Monskstown parish in Co Cork. The late Mark O’Connell was his nephew.
Fr O’Connell said that after the news emerged of the death of Mark, his loved ones were left asking “how, where and when?”
“The news. The shock. The pain. The questions. The anger. The tears. The waiting for the process to be completed.”
Fr O’Connell thanked all those who had assisted the family in the wake of the tragedy.
Mark O’Connell was a big Liverpool supporter. His daughter, Katlyn, brought a Liverpool scarf to the altar as a symbol of his life. Her brother Jake carried a lighter to the altar, representing his dad’s “smokes.”
Hairspray was also among the symbols of his life. Mourners laughed as they were told it signified Mr O’Connell’s “love of his hair and himself.”
The anthem of Liverpool FC, 'You’ll Never Walk Alone', was played as the coffin was carried from the church for burial at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork. Among the wreaths was a red and white floral display in the shape of a Liverpool jersey.
Mark O’Connell was predeceased by his mother, Ann. He was the father of Katlyn, Jake and Sean, partner of Samantha and brother of Philip. He is also survived by his grandmother Mary, uncles and aunts, extended family, his colleagues and a large circle of friends.
Mr O’Connell was a “much valued and respected” employee at Northside Community Enterprises in Farranferris, Cork. Friends said that he was “a lovely lad” who was very giving of his time.
A man in his mid-50s was arrested for questioning in connection with the incident. He was subsequently released without charge. A file will be sent to the DPP.
