Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery Delivers Emotional Eulogy At Fiance John’s Funeral
Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery delivered a touching tribute to her late fiancé John Dineen at his funeral in Cork on Wednesday.
John sadly passed away in Cork’s Marymount Hospice on Sunday aged just 34. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 15 months ago.
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The funeral took place the day after Michelle’s 34th birthday and the day before what would have been John’s 35th birthday.
The Irish Independent reports that Michelle described John as ‘proverbially tall, dark and handsome’, as well as deeply intelligent and caring, telling mourners at St James Catholic Church: “John was a man of great depth and integrity.
“Whether in his work or his personal life John was extremely loyal. It was clear that when John was in your corner he was there.
“I was honoured to know John. To love him and be loved by him. He was my friend, my King, my hero, my everything. We celebrate him, we honour him and we will miss him.”
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She added: “John’s charm was legendary. He could persuade anyone to do what he wanted in the least pushy way possible. Particularly the women.
“He had a presence that was electric when he came in to the room. He had a wicked sense of humour. He had a genuine interest in other people.”
Michelle is also said to have sung 1930s Hammerstein favourite ‘The Folks Who Live On The Hill’ during the funeral - a song she used to sing to John.
Various items were placed on the alter for the funeral, including John’s favourite childhood toy - a stuffed monkey-, a Munster rugby jersey and a tie. A photograph showing him smiling was placed on the coffin.
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A private cremation followed the requiem mass.
Michelle and John dated for two years after being introduced by her co-star Allen Leech, and are thought to have gotten engaged earlier this year.
John, who was from Waterfall on the outskirts of Cork, worked as a Senior Director in FTI Consulting in London.
