Hundreds of mourners gathered in Co Wicklow for the funeral mass of James Nolan, who died in Poland during the European football championships.
The 21-year-old student drowned after falling into a river in the city of Bydgoszcz.
Among the mourners in Blessington were Irish goalkeeper Shay Given and FAI Chief Executive John Delaney.
Ireland’s President and Prime Minister were both represented by their aides-de-camp.
Mr Nolan’s body was recovered from the River Brda on Wednesday after a major search operation was launched. He and friends were returning from the Euro 2012 match after Ireland’s loss when they summoned a taxi. Mr Nolan was the last one and he didn’t fit inside the crowded cab. This was the last they saw of their friend.
His funeral mass took place at the Church of Our Lady in Blessington, before burial at the nearby Burgage cemetery.
Parish priest Fr Tim Murphy told Mr Nolan’s family that the community would support them through this difficult time.
He said: “We’re full of grief and our hearts are broken because a beautiful young man has been taken from us.
“There’s a great Polish word called solidarity and we’re here very much in solidarity with Jimmy and Essie and Susie and Andy and all the family.”
Mr Nolan’s uncle Noel told mourners that it was hard to comprehend that James was gone.
He said: “It’s just so hard to try and understand why this had to happen to our family.
“James was only 21 years old. I ask myself why. I don’t have any answer. Nobody has an answer. Maybe God has.”
A book of condolence was opened for Mr Nolan by his local football club Blessington FC.
