Funeral of former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller held in Ireland (original) (raw)
Roy Keane and Martin O'Neill among mourners at funeral of former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller
Former Ireland midfielder Miller passed away on Friday night at the age of 36 after battling with cancer
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Just months ago: Martin O'Neill sends support to former Cetlic footballer Liam Miller
The funeral of former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller has been held in Cork.
Miller passed away on Friday night at the age of 36 following a battle with cancer.
The likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham paid tribute to Miller, as did former clubs United and Celtic.
Miller's body was moved to his local church in the village of Ovens on Sunday night as mourners, including Roy Keane, paid their respects.
The Republic of Ireland assistant then joined boss Martin O'Neill, who Miller played under at Celtic, at Church of St. John the Baptist for the service.
Roy Keane and Martin O'Neill arrive (
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PA)
Liam Miller's coffin is carried (
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PA)
Liam Miller's coffin is carried (
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PA)
Miller came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his debut in 2000 and helped them win the Scottish Premier League title in 2004.
He then moved to United on a free transfer, making 22 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson in two seasons - which included a spell on loan at Leeds.
Reports emerged in November that Miller had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was receiving treatment in the United States, where he played for Wilmington Hammerheads.
Liam Miller's coffin is carried (
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PA)
Liam Miller's coffin is carried (
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PA)
Shaun Maloney and Aiden McGeady (
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PA)
Former Republic player and manager Steve Staunton attended the funeral, alongside Sunderland defender John O'Shea.
Miller's former Republic team-mates Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady also attended.
His best friend Mark McNulty revealed the heartbreaking final moments with Miller before his tragic death.
Mark is trying to help his wife Clare, sons Corey, 13, Leo, 11, and eight-year-old daughter Belle cope with their loss.
Miller signs for United (
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Getty Images Sport)
Liam Miller (
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Daily Mirror)
Liam Miller with friend Mark McNulty
"We knew the doctors had said to him he only had a couple of weeks left. But when you looked at him, you were thinking, 'No way, this can’t be happening,’ he was on such good form. Next thing, he was in hospital," he said,
“He was obviously in a coma but they still say the person hears what’s going on around you so we were just chatting like normal – funny stories through our childhood and stuff like that.
“His family gave us 20 minutes on our own with him. We were all there when he stopped breathing. I take comfort we were with him to the end.