Liam Miller, here playing for Cork City, was laid to rest in his native County Cork. Inpho photo.
By Anthony Neeson
Some of Ireland's famous footballing sons have paid their respects to Liam Miller at the funeral of the former Republic of Ireland international.
Miller lost his battle with cancer last week at the age of 36.
The Cork native, who played for both Glasgow Celtic and Manchester United during his playing career was buried on Monday after Requiem Mass at the Church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Ovens near Ballincollig, County Cork.
Among those in attendance were the Irish management team of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, as well as former Irish manager Steve Staunton, and former Irish internationals John O’Shea and Kevin Doyle.
Parish priest, Fr. Liam Ó hIci said: “Liam, died on Friday night last, after he completed his life to the full.”
He added: “He fought his illnesses with the same resilience he played but it was not to be.”
The priest said Miller was a man of faith and said he used his talents “to the full and in so short a time”.
Married with three children, it was made public last November that Miller had pancreatic cancer.
Over the weekend, former teammates led tributes to the midfielder.
David Beckham, who played with Liam Miller at Manchester United, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family… Rest in peace.”
Wayne Rooney, who also played with Miller at Old Trafford, tweeted: “Gutted to hear the sad news about Liam Miller. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Miller exploded onto the Celtic first team in the 2003-2004 season, famously scoring against Lyon in the Champions League.
His performances drew the attention of Alex Ferguson and he moved to Manchester United the following season. He played 21 times for the Republic of Ireland.
