Irishwoman Sarah McNally has been remembered as beautiful, trustworthy, loyal and kind at her funeral in County Longford.
The 41-year-old was stabbed to death while working at an Irish bar in Queens, New York on March 30th.
Her former boyfriend has since been charged with her murder.
At her funeral in St Mel's Cathedral in County Longford this morning, mourners heard that her death has left her loved ones at home and abroad ‘shellshocked.’
Sarah McNally. Image: FacebookSarah's friend Aine told the funeral that everyone who knew her is heartbroken.
“How do you sum up Sarah McNally?” she asked. “You can’t.”
“She was someone special. A unique force to be reckoned with who was made for great things.
“Everyone in her communities at home and abroad are shellshocked – none more so than her beloved family.
“Dorrie and Dessy, she was your everything, your baby, your life, your one and only.”
Larger than life
She said Sarah was a “larger than life” character.
“Sarah was so well-known for her beauty, kindness and huge personality,” she said.
“She went out to take on the world with the abilities she gained from her doting parents.
“There are so many good things we could say about her and there is just not enough time.
“She was loyal, trustworthy, so warm and she gave the best hugs.
“We were proud to know her.
“Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”
'Unique, very special, kind and loving'
Sarah’s Uncle Ed thanked the communities in New York and Ireland for their kindness and support since her death.
She had been living in New York for the past 10 years and he said the family has received enormous support from her community of friends in the US since her death.
Addressing Sarah directly, he said: “Sarah you were a beautiful, unique, very special, kind and loving girl with the most beautiful smile.”
“You lit up the room everywhere you went and I have no doubt you are shining bright in heaven now,” he said.
“We all loved you so much and we still will - all of us - and we are going to miss you so much.”
36-year-old Marcin Pieciak was taken to hospital after the attack before being arrested and charged two days later.
He appeared in court charged with her murder last Thursday.
