Andrew remembered as a ‘mischievous, kind-hearted, deeply loved son and brother’

A Kiltale man whose death has sparked a Garda investigation was remembered as a mischievous, kind-hearted and deeply loved son and brother as hundreds gathered for his funeral in his home parish on Tuesday (4th August).

Andrew Haire (35), Foxtown, Summerhill, whose body was discovered at the Greyhound recycling facility in Clondalkin, Dublin, on Friday 24th July, was laid to rest following a funeral Mass at the Church of the Assumption, Kiltale, before burial in the adjoining cemetery.

His death has shocked the local community and remains the subject of a Garda investigation.

At the beginning of the Mass, Andrew's siblings paid moving tributes as they presented symbols reflecting his life, recalling a childhood filled with laughter, adventure and an unwavering love for his family.

His sister, Deirdre, brought forward a childhood photograph and remembered her younger brother as “full of life”, with beautiful blonde curls, a beaming smile and a mischievous streak.

She recalled how, as a pre-school child, Andrew somehow managed to dismantle an entire playground slide by removing every nut and bolt, leaving even their father amazed when he struggled to put it back together. On another occasion, aged just two, Andrew set the family's rabbits free because he believed they should not be confined to a cage.

Describing him as affectionate, curious and someone who loved animals and the outdoors, she said the family home had been filled with “laughter, curiosity and love” because of him. She also spoke of his close bond with his brothers and said she would always treasure memories of the three boys transforming the sitting room into the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

His brother William carried one of Andrew's hurling medals, recalling his younger brother's sporting ability and describing him as a gifted hurler and soccer player who was “always the better player”.

He spoke fondly of Christmas mornings spent racing go-karts around the family home and of Andrew's playful sense of humour, recalling how he once covered his brother's sandwich with olive oil and pepper before laughing as the prank unfolded.

“That's how I'll always remember Andrew - always smiling, always laughing and always up to something,” he said, describing him as someone who always looked out for others and had “a huge heart”.

A final symbol, the family's grandmother's watch, represented what Andrew's family described as the greatest gift he left behind - the time they had shared together.

His family said that since his passing they had heard countless stories of his kindness, generosity and compassion, with many people recalling how he listened without judgement, encouraged others and freely gave his time to those who needed it most.

“We'll treasure every moment we shared. We'll always be grateful for the time you gave us,” they said.

In his homily, celebrant Fr Yohanna Jacob described Andrew as “a lovely, quiet and nice young fellow who was always happy and friendly”.

He recalled Andrew's years at Kiltale National School, his involvement in scouting and hurling and his deep love for his family, saying he remained in regular contact with them and was especially proud of his nephews.

Addressing mourners, he acknowledged the tragic circumstances of Andrew's death and said the entire community shared the family's pain and grief, encouraging them to draw strength from their faith and hope in the promise of eternal life.

Andrew is survived by his parents Bill and Marie, sister Deirdre, brothers William and Jonathan, sister-in-law Jilly, brothers-in-law Tommy and Edward, nephews Ciaran, Conor, Harry and Killian, together with his extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Following Andrew's death, Kiltale Hurling and Camogie Club described him as one of its former juvenile hurlers who represented the club at the 2004 Féile. The club said it was “very saddened” by his passing and extended its sympathies to his family and friends.

His death remains under investigation. Gardaí have established an incident room at Lucan Garda Station and continue to appeal for information relating to Andrew's movements between Friday 17th July and Thursday 23rd July. They believe he was in Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork city centres during that period and are urging anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.