'Mysterious, funny & charming...we'll miss John forever'

Family's tribute as pensioner killed on way back from the shops is laid to rest

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

AN Irish pensioner who died after he was attacked in London was described at his funeral yesterday as a charming man who will be “missed for ever".

John Mackey, 87, was running errands and getting his groceries on May 6 when he was set upon in the English capital.

Originally from Callan, Co Kilkenny, Mr Mackey received horrific head injuries and sadly died in hospital two days later.

A man was charged with the pensioner’s murder and robbery and will appear before court for a plea hearing on July 29.

Mourners filled the Church of the Assumption in Callan at 11am yesterday to pay their respects to the much-loved Arsenal fan.