The Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone was played as mourners gathered on Monday to remember delivery driver Jason ‘Jay’ Hallahan who died in Christmas week after he accidentally reversed his car into the Grand Canal in Co Kildare.
The father-of-one of Prosperous, Co Kildare and late of Clondalkin in Dublin died on December 22nd last at Grangeclare West in Kilmeague.
Mr Hallahan, who was in his 40s, had just dropped off a delivery of food when the incident happened at around 8pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A celebration of life at Newlands Cross Crematorium Chapel in Dublin on Monday heard that he had a keen interest in the science of space, and in the days prior to his death had picked out a star in the sky and named it after his daughter Evelyn. The Coldplay song A Sky Full of Stars also featured in the service.
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Mr Hallahan’s partner Sharon said their daughter, Evelyn, was the great joy of his life. He was “bursting with pride” each time he saw Evelyn compete in gymnastics and, having taught her how to hit a golf ball, was “so proud when you got a hole in one”, she said.
“He deeply loved and adored you Evelyn. He would do anything for you Evelyn and he was the most wonderful dad to you.
“He would drive at the drop of a hat to be there for you, and me, if ever we needed him ... We promise to keep his memory alive,” she added.
Martin, an uncle of the deceased, said Jay was “much loved” and always did his family proud.”
The celebration of life also heard Mr Hallahan was a caring, sociable man who was always willing to help others. Friends have described him as having been a “true gentleman”.
Symbols of his life brought forward at the service included a Liverpool FC jersey, a golf club and pictures of his daughter.
Gardaí, who are treating the incident as a tragic accident, are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
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