'Solid bloke Mick was one of a kind

Mass hears of his love for family and motorbikes. Colleagues devastated by loss of veteran snapper

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

IRISH Mirror and Irish Daily Star photographer Mick O'Neill was a “solid bloke” with a wicked sense of humour who loved his family deeply, his funeral mass heard yesterday.

Mick sadly died aged 62 on July 12 after a motorcycle accident on the Old Airport Road in North Dublin.

The talented photographer worked for the Irish Daily Star for over 20 years as well as working at the Irish Mirror, and is dearly missed by all his colleagues.

His funeral mass took place at the Church of St Finian's in Swords yesterday morning, followed by burial in Dardistown Čemetery.

A motorcycle helmet, press photographer awards and a photo of Mick and his beloved granddaughter Mya, 12, were brought to the altar as gifts. Mourners heard Mick, who is from Artane but lived in Swords, was a “proud Dubliner” who was happiest when on his bike or with his family.

His granddaughter Mya told the funeral mass that he would do anything to make her happy, and was immensely proud of her.

BOND

She said: "Grandad wasn't only my grandad, he was my best friend, we had such a strong bond. I'm not sure if he just liked breakfast or if it was an excuse to call me because every time he did it would be the same question - 'Do you want to go for breakfast?'