Football stars bid farewell to O'Donnell

The father-of-four, who died after collapsing during a match, was remembered as a "family man" and a "great human being" at the funeral in his hometown. More than 500 mourners poured into St Mary's Church in Hamilton to say farewell to the 35-year-old.

Hundreds more fans lined the streets outside St Mary's Church in Hamilton in tribute to the former Scotland, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday star.

A guard of honour was formed by the Motherwell youth team for the arrival at the church of the player's widow, Eileen, and their four children, who each carried a single rose.

O'Donnell, 35, collapsed towards the end of his club's 5-3 victory over Dundee United at Fir Park.

A post-mortem examination later revealed he had suffered heart failure. His Motherwell team-mates, led by manager Mark McGhee and the entire Dundee United squad, attended the funeral.

Mourners began arriving a full two hours early for the Requiem Mass, which started at midday.

Celtic captain Stephen McManus was among the early arrivals and was later joined by the rest of the Celtic team, along with manager Gordon Strachan and club chairman John Reid, the former Home Secretary.

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and the club's assistant manager, Ally McCoist, were also present, along with senior players David Weir and Lee McCulloch.

Everton's James McFadden, a former Motherwell player who dedicated his New Year's Day goal to O'Donnell, was also there.

The scores of mourners from the world of football also included ex-Scotland captain Gary McAllister and former Scotland manager Craig Brown.

Former England international Terry Butcher, who signed O'Donnell when he was manager of Motherwell, was also present.

During the service Mrs O'Donnell sat in the front pew of the church with her four children, Olivia, Megan, Christopher and Luc. She cradled four-year-old Luc in her arms.

The coffin stood in the aisle at the very front of the church, topped by a large bouquet of white flowers.

During the mass, O'Donnell's former Motherwell team-mate Chris McCart read a eulogy to O'Donnell.

McCart, now youth development officer at Motherwell, said: "Phil O'Donnell, family man, wonderful footballer, inspirational captain, role model, a great human being, and of course Uncle Phil.

"These are just a few of the tributes paid to Phil over the last week. "His passing has left a great void in all our lives.

"His wife and four kids meant more to Phil than anything he achieved in his football career. His family was, quite simply, his world."

Members of O'Donnell's family carried out readings and Laura McCann, a cousin of Eileen, sang a solo of Ave Maria.

Two of O'Donnell's nephews, both footballers, were among the family mourners - David Clarkson, who plays for Motherwell and was on the pitch when his uncle collapsed, and Stephen O'Donnell, who plays for St Mirren.

Motherwell's ground, Fir Park, has become a shrine to the player, known as "Uncle Phil", with a sea of scarves, football shirts and flowers laid in tribute.

Parish Priest, Father Henry O'Brien, who led the service, said: "It was beautiful to visit the stadium and see the wonderful tributes to him.

"It was clear that when somebody is a true sportsman, it transcends competition."

The Forrest Gump Suite by composer Alan Silvestri was also played during the service, in memory of O'Donnell's nickname at Celtic. After the Mass, O'Donnell's coffin was carried from the church to the waiting hearse.

His former Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Simon Donnelly was among the pallbearers.

As the cortege headed off to Bent Cemetery for the burial, the crowd outside broke into spontaneous applause.

Outside the church, floral tributes from fans, friends and other football clubs lined the walls.

After the funeral Bernard O'Donnell, Phil's father, issued a statement on behalf of the family.

He said: "As a family we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the many, many people who have showed us great kindness and support during the last week.

"From the moment this terrible tragedy happened, we have been deeply moved by the efforts made to comfort and assist our family. This has meant a great deal to Eileen and everyone in the family.

"We also appreciate the efforts made by people to pay their respects to Phil today at St Mary's Church. To see so many people standing outdoors for a long time was very emotional for us all and we would like to thank everyone."