THE POLISH AMBASSADOR to Ireland has expressed his gratitude to the mourners who attended the funeral of a man found dead on Christmas Day.

Marek Skiba, a 51-year-old who had experienced homelessness, received an outpouring of support from the public after his case was highlighted on RTÉ’s Liveline programme.

Local undertaker Cyril Cusack offered to look after the funeral – which took place in Ennis earlier this week – for free, with comedian Brendan O’Carroll offering to cover any other costs.

Homeless campaigner Josie O’Brien – who initially contacted the show – said that he had died in his own flat and had been living in Clare for the past seven or eight years.

This saw over 300 people turn out for the funeral to pay tribute to Skiba.

In a letter to the Clare Champion, Polish ambassador to Ireland, Ryszard Sarkowicz, said:

“I particularly wish to thank all the individuals and institutions who offered help and contribution towards the burial costs of the deceased – my special thanks go to Josie O’Brien, Cyril Cusack, Brendan O’Carroll and Clare County Council.

I also wish to express my gratitude to the hundred of members of the local community who attended his funeral. The wonderful people of Ennis stepped in as his family at this difficult time.

Skiba was buried earlier this week in Drumcliff Cemetery, with a number of local musicians and singers performing at the service.

Read: Brendan O’Carroll to pay for funeral of Polish man who died in Ennis on Christmas Day 

Also: Hundreds turn out for funeral of Polish man who died alone on Christmas Day