A funeral has taken place for the grandson of one of Belfast's best-known boxing coaches.
Francis ‘Fra’ Nugent (22) from west Belfast died suddenly last Thursday.
A Requiem Mass was held on Tuesday morning in St Peter’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Belfast City Cemetery.
Known as a car enthusiast, friends had staged a convoy for him on Sunday driving past his home on the way to the track at Nutts Corner.
Social media footage also showed a large group releasing blue-coloured balloons into the air in his honour.
A family notice described him as the loving son of Frances, brother to Patrick and Orla and grandson to Gerry ‘Nugget’ Nugent and the late Marie.
His grandfather is well-known for his work coaching for Immaculata Boxing Club and trained Fra’s cousin Eireann Nugent before she won Bronze at last year’s Commonwealth games.
In a family notice placed in the Irish News, Mr Nugent said: “I will miss our wee chats. Deeply saddened. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him. Granda Nugget.”
His cousin added: “Our little cousin, gone far too soon. Forever loved, forever missed, forever 22, there is not a day that we won’t think of you. St Pio pray for him. From your heartbroken cousins, Eireann and Clodagh.”
In a video message, a friend organising Sunday’s car meet said: “ “He was a wee gentleman from the lower falls area…widely known through the car circles.”
He added: “Sharing is caring. Let’ make this big for wee Fra Nugent.”
Another family notice from a relative read: “Still can’t take it in, I will never see that wee smile again. I will sorely miss you lots and will always remember you. Please look after our family.”
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