Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has suffered a double tragedy after his brother and uncle died within days over Christmas.
The ex-Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa shot stopper lost his brother Kieran on December 23 and his uncle Ambrose Given on Christmas Day.
Both men died after battling illness.
Originally from Rossgier, Lifford, Co Donegal, singer-songwriter and artist Kieran died peacefully at his home in Altensteig, Germany, and his funeral took place there on Saturday.
He is survived by his wife Doris and two sons Joshua and Joel.
His uncle Ambrose, of Knockagarron, Convoy, died at the Donegal Hospice on Christmas Day and was laid to rest after Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church, Convoy, on December 28.
St Mary’s GAA club in Convoy paid tribute to Ambrose, who they described as a stalwart.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for the wee club,” it said.
“The pitch and grounds would not be there without your efforts and our other stalwarts who work tirelessly in the background.”
His soccer star nephew, Shay, won 134 caps for Ireland over two decades.
He lost his mother Agnes to lung cancer when aged just four and has since raised thousands for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Speaking previously about his mother and father Seamus, Shay said: “She told him to take care of the kids and don’t split them up. My dad deserves great credit.”
