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Pat Smullen’s funeral took place Friday at St. Peter’s Church in Rhode, County Offaly.
Smullen, who was crowned a nine-time hockey champion in Ireland, died Tuesday at the age of 43 from pancreatic cancer.
Weigh-room colleagues past and present paid tribute earlier in the week, with the likes of Ruby Walsh, Frankie Dettori, Mick Kinane and Johnny Murtagh praising his skill in the saddle and his qualities.
After her diagnosis, Smullen focused her energies on fundraising initiatives for Cancer Trials Ireland, including an Irish Champions Weekend legend run that ultimately raised € 2.6 million for the cause.
Social distancing protocols severely limited the number of people who could gather with his wife Frances and their children Paddy, Hannah, and Sarah at the funeral to celebrate his life, but large numbers did gather outside the church. The service was also streamed on Zoom.
The colors of Aga Khan that led to victory at Harzand in the Derby at Epsom and then at the Curragh covered his coffin.
In his eulogy, his wife recalled a man who was her “best friend” and her “soul mate.”
“My heart is broken,” he said. “I have lost my best friend, my soul mate.
“Hannah, Paddy and Sarah have not only lost their adorable dad, but their mentor, friend, ally and rocker.
“You should know that Dad was very proud of each one of you and the people you have become. He carried you and I know that you will continue to carry him with you every day.”
Rhode Pastor Father Greg Corcoran was the main celebrant and said: Father Cormican said, “I would not be the best on social media, but last night I went through the different comments on Twitter to see what people were saying about Palmadita.
“There was a constant theme running through them, a great emphasis on him being a gentleman. He was an athlete known all over the world, but he was backed by the feeling of being a very nice person.”
The burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
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