Hundreds attend Slazenger funeral

Over 500 people attended the funeral of retired doctor Michael Slazenger today at the Church of St Patrick's in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.

The retired anaesthetist, whose father owned the Slazenger sports equipment brand, died in hospital after his single-engine plane crashed on a private airfield at Powerscourt last week.

Family, friends and former work colleagues of the doctor turned out for what was "a celebration of a life", Archdeacon Ricky Rountree said.

The majority of the mourners stood outside and watched the service on two screens mounted close to the side wall of the small church.

The late Mr Slazenger's wife Noreen was joined by her daughters Marianne, Sarah and Liz.

Mr Slazenger's eight grandchildren were also present, as were his siblings Wendy, Jonie, John and Peter.

His daughters described him as a "thoughtful, loving and caring" father and a "loving and devoted grandpa".

Prayers were said for the late Noel Whitney, who also died in the plane crash and for the hospital staff at Tallaght and St James's hospitals who treated Mr Slazenger after the accident.

In a moving address, Mr Slazenger's son-in-law William Micklem, described him as a "superhero who liked to be invisible".

"Michael needed to fly; it was hardwired into his personality," he said. "He led a fulfilling, joyous and wonderful life."