A PRIEST at the funeral of a Co Armagh man killed in a motorcycle crash said he would be remembered as someone who was "always smiling".
Family and friends of Declan Jordan gathered at St Paul's Church in Lurgan on Thursday to say their final farewells following his tragic death on Sunday.
Fr Declan McConville told mourners that Mr Jordan was a "happy person", who was well known for his love of animals.
The 48-year-old died after the blue Yamaha motorcycle he was riding was involved in a crash in Dundrod.
Police said no other vehicle was involved in the collision, on a road which forms part of the Dundrod road racing circuit, and have appealed for witnesses to contact them.
Mourners heard how Mr Jordan, who was originally from the Shankill area of Lurgan, had enjoyed golf, motorbikes and travelling and in recent months had visited California with his family.
Fr McConville described how the family of Mr Jordan had been left devastated after learning he had been "tragically killed".
"Great sadness has befallen the Jordan's over the last few days," he said.
"Declan grew up in the Shankill estate, a close-knit estate... which is very much shocked to hear of his death," he said.
The priest said the father-of-one had drawn most enjoyment when looking after animals and ran Laganside Boarding Kennels with his partner Nicci in Magheralin, near Craigavon.
"He had a real bubbly type of personality, he was always smiling and always in good form," he said.
"He was a happy person and tried to make the most of what came his way.
"A lot of people would know him from the kennels... Declan was someone who connected with animals, especially dogs.
"Declan was not a sad person, he had a good sense of humour."
Mr Jordan is survived by his partner Nicci, son Ryan and siblings Mark, Conor and Brenda.
