Funeral for father of Liverpool FC and NI star Conor Bradley takes place in Co Tyrone

Mourners gathered at St Patrick’s Church, Aghyaran, on Tuesday afternoon for the funeral of Joe Bradley (inset), father of Liverpool FC star Conor Bradley.

Liverpool FC star Conor Bradley made his late father proud every day, mourners have heard.

Funeral mass for Joe Bradley took place in Co Tyrone this afternoon.

Mr Bradley (58) passed away peacefully at his home in Killen on Saturday after being ill for some time.

He died just three days after his son scored his first goal for Liverpool, which came against Chelsea.

During his funeral mass in St Patrick’s Church, Aghyaran, Fr Paul Fraser told the congregation that Mr Bradley, who followed his son’s footballing career “so closely”, saw Conor celebrate his big moment at Anfield.

“But he wasn’t just proud of you [Conor], because of the goal that you scored,” added Fr Fraser. “He’s proud of the person you are, that you became. Proud of you every day.”

The congregation also heard that Mr Bradley was the “hardest of workers” and a “perfectionist in everything that he did”.

“Joe Bradley did everything wholeheartedly,” said Fr Fraser. “There were no shortcuts and there were no half measures. He lived life in the fast lane.

“Driving was his passion and, from the earliest of years, I’m told, driving as a passenger in Joe’s car or van wasn’t for the faint-hearted."

Fr Fraser also spoke of the love Mr Bradley had for his wife, Linda, and all three of their children, Niall, Joanne and Conor.

“Joe had a big heart for family and friends,” he said. “He was generous to everybody and he was proud of what Niall achieved in his working life, seeing his own business flourish.

“And, of course, when Niall and Jenna made Joe a grandfather, that was a source of great pride for him as well,