D Tuesday, September 22, 2009 METRO athlete who cared for his family, friends and fans alike its terrifying and we fear there is no an- swer. During the funeral mass a pair of box- ing gloves, a framed photo of Darren, his Olympic tracksuit and his bronze medal were placed near his coffin, draped in a white sheet. A bouquet of flowers in the shape of boxing gloves sat near the altar, before being placed in the waiting hearse. The song My Son by Brendan Shine was performed during Communion by family friend Nikki Kavanagh, as a spe- cial request from Darrens grieving mum Linda. Ms Kavanagh also sang Run by Leona Lewis as Darrens coffin was brought from the chapel. As his hearse left the grounds of St Marys for his final journey, the boys of St Saviours formed a guard of honour, escorting the cortege with their club banner and Olympic flag. At the back of the hearse was a framed photo of Darren posing with his bronze medal. Arts minister Martin Cullen was also among the mourners, while Taoiseach Brian Cowen and president Mary McAleese were represented by their aides-de-camps. Darren was buried in nearby St Fini- ans cemetery. He was one of the leading lights on the Irish boxing scene in the four years be- fore the Olympic games and was regard- ed as one of the best talents coached under the Irish Sports Councils high performance unit. He had turned pro after his success last year at Beijing and joined the Maloney camp, moving to London. Darrens father Tony carries his sons coffin Darrens sisters Shaneika (left) and Nicole (far right) are comforted Boxing champion Jim Rock Commentator Jimmy McGeeOlympian Michael Carruth index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html