THE second victim of a double murder days before Christmas has been laid to rest following a quiet funeral in the west Belfast parish where he grew up.
Joseph Dutton (47) and his friend Frances Murray were stabbed to death on December 23 in a flat at Kinnaird Close in north Belfast.
A 35-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder.
Among those gathered yesterday morning for Requiem Mass at St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Lenadoon were relatives of Ms Murray's family, who had buried the 37-year-old the day before following a poignant service at Sacred Heart Church on Oldpark Road.
Parish priest Fr Aidan Brankin shared memories of Mr Dutton as a boy and young man, from his "first job" helping with a milk round while still at school to his prowess as an amateur boxer.
"Always witty and enjoyed putting a smile on people's faces", after completing his schooling at the parish primary of the same name and Christian Brothers Secondary, Mr Dutton became a labourer and "remained a labourer all of his working life".
But Fr Brankin said his renown in the area had been for his skills as pugilist.
"He was infamous as a boxer, the one you didn't want to be drawn against because of his fast hands and feet," he told mourners.
"He won trophies at all levels (and was) Ulster and all-Ireland champion. It took a lot of dedication and commitment."
The priest recalled how Mr Dutton would "have got one of his brothers to go out on a run with him to keep his fitness up and weight down", trying black bin bags around their waists to help shed as many pounds as possible.
He met his former partner Kim at St Paul's social club and together they had sons Ordhán and Caolán, whom he encouraged "to follow him into boxing for the discipline and enjoyment".
Fr Brankin said he also passed on to them his father Paddy's saying "The Dutts get it done" and the belief "if you put your mind to it you can do it".
The priest told mourners: "All of us have someone in our family circles who suffer from addiction."
He said it can make people feel ashamed that their lives are "plagued" by it and "those who love him (were) wanting him to turn to them for help and support", with their presence at his funeral proof that he was loved and valued by many.
The priest asked God to "forgive the sins that Joe may have committed in life".
