Funeral held of ‘Downton’ star’s fiance

Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery paid tribute to her "hero", fiancé John Dineen yesterday at his requiem Mass, which was attended by large numbers of his neighbours and friends in Co Cork.

The Golden Globe nominated actress, who plays lady Mary Crawley in the popular ITV show, said Mr Dineen had been "a tower of strength" during his 15-month struggle with a rare cancer.

Describing the native of Ballinora, Co Cork, as a man of "great depth and integrity", Ms Dockery said he had always been "extremely loyal" in his work and personal life.

“It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there. I was honoured to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my King, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him. We honour him and we will miss him.”

Speaking at the requiem Mass at St James’ Church in Ballinora, Miss Dockery said her fiancé had been an “extraordinary man” who would be hugely missed by his family and wide circle of friends.

“John’s charm was legendary. He could persuade anyone to do what he wanted in the least pushy way possible. Particularly the women! He had a presence that was electric when he came into the room,” she said.

The couple met in 2013 and became engaged last year, just months after he had been diagnosed.

He died in the Marymount Hospice in Cork on Sunday morning.

His sister Trish said she had “idolised” her beloved older brother. She recalled catching him on a Christmas morning filling her stocking with small gifts when she was small.

Thinking on his feet to get himself out of his predicament, her brother had maintained her belief in Santa Claus by saying that Santa had got him to do the job as he was "wrecked".

The offertory gifts included a childhood teddy bear, the Norton Anthology of Poetry, a tie and a Munster rugby jersey. A private cremation followed the requiem Mass.