Funeral of slain mum-of-two Paula Canty hears she had a "kind heart and good nature"

The funeral of slain mum-of-two Paula Canty has heard she had a ‘kind heart, a good nature and was courteous.’

Ms Canty was found stabbed to death in her flat in Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork on Friday, January 3.

Gardai launched a murder investigation after a post mortem examination that confirmed Ms Canty died as a result of foul play.

READ MORE: Convicted criminal quizzed over man's death in Wexford

READ MORE: Gardai learn Kyran Durnin lived away from his family when he was a toddler

Joseph Butler (42) of Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Cork appeared before Midleton District Court on Thursday, January 9, charged with the murder of Ms Canty.

Chief mourners at the mum-of-two’s funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Kinsale on Saturday morning included her heartbroken mother Sinead, dad Paul, her children Alyisha and Aoibhe and her siblings Darragh, Donna, Latoya, David and Rianna, aunts and uncles and friends.

Paula Canty was killed in Mallow, Cork, on January 3
(Image: reachplc)

Parish Priest Fr Robert Young told mourners there is a great sadness Paula’s family is carrying and it is not natural that a parent should experience the murder of a son or daughter.

“It is not the natural scheme of things that a son or daughter should die before their parents and it is certainly not the natural scheme of things that a parent should have to experience the murder of a son or a daughter,” said Fr Young.

“It is heartbreaking to think about it, to see you carrying your pain. We want to acknowledge your grief, your sadness and your heartbreak.”

“Paula had her struggles, her difficulties, her wrongdoings but who hasn’t,” said Fr Young, adding that “Paula had a kind heart, she had a good nature, she loved cooking, she was very artistic, she was likeable, she was courteous.”

A floral tribute to Paula Canty in the hearse at St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale for her funeral Pic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Some of the symbols brought to the altar representing Paula’s life.

This included a family photo representing Paula’s many happy childhood years; a bunch of flowers representing Paula’s work as an aspiring florist when she worked in a flower shop in Kinsale and a tracksuit representing Paula’s love for designer clothes.

Sport clothing that she frequently borrowed from her many friends were also displayed, as was a sample of paintings of her creative and artistic skills which revealed a world offering glimpses of her inner light and resilience, and a cookbook representing Paula’s love of cooking.

Paula’s two daughters Aoibhe and Alyisha brought a make up set to the altar reflecting Paula’s artistry with makeup and highlighting the beauty she was deeply recognised.

Following Requiem Mass, Ms Canty’s remains were buried in St Patrick’s Cemetery in Nohoval near Kinsale.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.