Homeless man dies alone on Christmas Day – but his story has a beautiful ending

When Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O' Carroll learned of the homeless man’s death, he did something wonderful

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Marek Skiba, a 51-year-old man, died alone in Ireland on Christmas day.

Speaking to Joe Duffy on Irish radio station RTE, homeless worker Josie O'Brien revealed that the man's body had been left in a morgue in Limerick since he was found.

She said: "I think his sister is ill, they can't bury him without the money.

"I did ring the funeral director, he's buried a few homeless people, he won't do it either until he gets paid up front, because he's buried a few homeless people and they haven't paid him for the others".

With no funds available to cover the cost of the burial, it seemed as if Marek would go without a decent burial.

But, at the end of the interview on Liveline, Joe informed listeners that big-hearted TV star Brendan O’Carroll had been in touch.

Brendan O'Carroll as Mrs Brown
Brendan O'Carroll as Mrs Brown

And the Mrs Brown’s Boys star had touchingly offered to cover the cost of the lonely man’s funeral.

Joe Duffy said: "Brendan Carroll has been on from Florida saying he'll pay for the burial of that Polish man in Ennis, and that will go into the pot as well.

"Brendan said make all the arrangements and he'll cover what needs to be covered".

Brendan is known for his generosity, having donated Christmas dinner to over 2,000 homeless individuals this past Christmas via Saint Vincent De Paul.

His kind actions encouraged hundreds of others to find their compassion, with many showing up to the homeless man’s funeral to pay their respects.

At the funeral, Father Alan Cook told the mourners gathered that Marek was a "soft soul who only wanted a beautiful ordinary life,[but that his] life was marked by hardship and struggle.”

He added that, despite Marek’s difficult life, he was also often touched by “the kindness of others”.

Brendan O'Carroll

The beautiful funeral service served as a reminder to reach out to those around us, and to be kind to one another, whenever we can.

May Marek rest in peace.

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