‘I was mad about you’ says Hollywood star Colin Farrell in emotional tribute at football ace dad Eamon’s funeral

EMOTIONAL Colin Farrell paid tribute to his beloved dad Eamon as he was laid to rest, saying: “I was mad about you.”

Tributes poured in after news of the Castleknock movie icon's father Eamon's death emerged on Thursday.

9 An emotional Colin carried his father's coffin Credit: GARY ASHE - THE SUN DUBLIN

9 The 83-year-old died in Beaumount Hospital Credit: GARY ASHE - THE SUN DUBLIN

9 Actor Colin told mourners that his dad Eamon touched so many people Credit: GARY ASHE - THE SUN DUBLIN

9 Former Shamrock Rovers ace Eamon died after a 'long illness' on Thursday Credit: rip.ie

The 83-year-old died at Beaumount Hospital after a "long illness bravely borne", his family announced.

Banshees of Inisherin star Colin, 48, joined family members at his dad's funeral at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Ballymun in Dublin today after reposing at his Glasnevin home last night.

Colin told mourners: “Hey dad, I'm sitting on my bed now, Thursday the 11th, it's 3am and I'm trying to think what to write and how to honour you with a few words.

"I've been staring into space, frozen for about two hours now.

“It seems impossible to try and encapsulate all that you meant to me in 48 years of being father and son.

“I suppose I should start with a simple truth. I'm so glad you were my dad.

"We had our share of tricky enough times along the path, but what fathers and sons don't.

“But as I grew into manhood, and particularly as I too became a dad, all I could and can remember are the good times.

“More importantly, all I can feel are the good times we shared.

"Of course I feel them now through the lens of loss, these moments frozen in time.

“Like being five years old and sitting on your lap in my Spider-Man pyjamas with a stretchy Incredible Hulk toy in my hands."

The Hollywood star told mourners the “thrill” he got telling people that he was Eamon’s son.

Colin Farrell opens up on sons rare condition

Colin said: “I remember being on a holiday with you and mom and my brother and sisters in France.

"And you wanting to sneak onto the grounds of the Prince's Palace in Monaco, into an area that no one was allowed.

“It was clear it was cordoned off. And not only that, but you had only on a tight little pair of football shorts and no shirt.

“Now dad, I was only seven, but even then I knew it just wasn't a great idea.

“But I went with you of course, because I would have gone anywhere with you, because I was mad about you, you see.

“And when the palace security received a report of a sunburned man, half naked, strutting around the grounds with a little child in tow.

“We were immediately set upon by two guards and a very well-dressed fellow in a dinner jacket and dress pants who said, follow me please.

“You turned to me and you whispered, just follow me, Wabs. That's what you used to call me, Wabs.

"And we walked down one corridor, then another. At one point the security took a left and you swiftly took a right. Cool as anything, no panic.

“I followed you and we legged it around the palace for another cheeky stare and then we were out the gate and free.

"I was terrified, but I was exhilarated. It was so exciting, breaking the rules with you. You were so exciting, you really were.”

'I'M YOUR SON'

Colin thanked his dad for always being there for him and passing on his football passion.

He continued: "You knew the game, football, inside and out.

"It was such a huge part of your life and you passed your love for it onto me in ways that will stay with me forever.

"I remember one day you said to one of my teammates during training, 'well done, son'. Harmless enough. Well done, son.

"And I went up to you afterward and I said, 'he's not your son, I am'.

"I'd love to think I was being humorous, but alas, I wasn't. And I know you loved that moment.

"You thought it was gas. You told everyone about it for the next 20 years or so. He's not your son, I am. I loved being your son, dad.

"You were a god to me growing up. And even in my early childhood, in my early adulthood, during my drinking days.

"Even though I was from the mean streets of Castleknock, I'd seek out the inner city pubs that had all the old fellas in them."

MEMORIES

An emotional Colin thanked his father for sharing their family stories and creating so many memories together.

He said: “Your extraordinary memories became mine. Your history bled into me.

“It's impossible to try to make sense of 48 years of being someone's son.

“I'm so glad you had a life of great adventure, of travel and football and love and food and laughter and food and football and food and love found again.

“And that you touched so many people, whether it was one of the thousands upon thousands of customers you served in your many lives as a businessman.”

He continued: “I learned so much about being a father from you.

“The fears and the joys, the pressures and the passions, all so profound.

“Me and my brothers and sisters are glad to know the joy you felt in the last chapter of your life too, dad.

“It meant so much to us that you found love again and married your beloved Eileen.”

Colin told how the whole family are "so grateful" for all Eamon did.

He added: “I promise you, dad, I'll hold you with me for the rest of my days, but lighter than I ever thought possible.

“Your last great gift to me. I miss you very much.

“I'll go about now figuring out what it's like to live knowing you're not in the world - but also knowing that you'll always live within me and us.

"And that you're in a much better place now as you deserve.”

'A BEAUTIFUL MAN'

Deacon Derek Leonard remembered Eamon as a "beautiful man" and a good friend.

The funeral mass will be followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.

In Bruges star Colin's dad Eamon and mum Rita split when he was younger and they had both remarried.

Eamon is mourned by his wife Eileen and his children Eamon, Catherine, Claudine and Colin, and eight step-children and five grandchildren including Colin's sons James, 21, and 15-year-old Henry.

Eamon was a star footballer, playing with Shamrock Rovers alongside his brother, and Colin's uncle Tommy during the 1960s.

He was part of Rovers' 1962 FAI Cup winning team, while Tommy won the League and Cup double in 1964.

During the funeral, Colin brought a Shamrock Rovers jersey to the altar to represent his passion for the club.

Shamrock Rovers earlier this week led tributes to their former star.

They said: "Eamon joined Rovers in 1960 at 18 years of age from the famous schoolboy nursery club Home Farm.

"A half back who was a minor and schoolboy Ireland international, Eamonn played alongside his older brother Tommy during his time at Milltown.

"Both were on the team that beat Shelbourne in the FAI Cup final in 1962 played in front of an attendance of 32,000."

9 Actor Colin Farrell thanked his dad Eamon for the memories Credit: Gary Ashe-Commissioned by The Sun Dublin

9 Eamon Farrell was laid to rest at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Ballymun Credit: GARY ASHE - THE SUN DUBLIN

9 Mourners remembered Eamon as a 'beautiful man' who was a friend to all Credit: GARY ASHE - THE SUN DUBLIN

9 Colin and dad Eamon with Colin's sister Claudine and Sacha Quarles Credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images for mediaplacement entertainment inc.

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