The man who died following an assault in Athlone last weekend has been remembered as having a 'heart of gold'.
Paul 'Babs' Connolly's funeral is taking place in Edenderry this evening.
The 47-year-old died following an altercation on Church Street in Athlone in the early hours of Saturday morning last.
Two men were subsequently charged in connection with his death and are due back in court later this week.
Gifts presented at his funeral mass at St Mary's Church, Edenderry, included a Rocky Balboa DVD and CD of Bruce Springsteen, a set of weights and a family photo.
He was remembered as a man who loved his family and had a brilliant sense of humour:
"Paul has been described as a great character, very funny and witty. He had a great love for all of his nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them and passing on his love of music and movies to them.
Paul has been described as being a big child at heart with a heart of gold.
And maybe these words could be enough to describe him.
He had a great faith and prayed every day.
