HUNDREDS of people gathered at a Blackburn church to pay their respects to a 34-year-old football manager who died suddenly just a week after being diagnosed with a rare skin cancer.

The family and friends of Kieran Keigher, who managed Mill Hill St Peter’s football club and formerly played for Old Blackburnians FC, turned out yesterday to pay their respects.

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Mr Keigher died last week a month after proposing to his partner Rachel Keigher, who he married from his hospital bed in the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

During the funeral service at St Alban’s Roman Catholic Church, Mr Keigher’s brothers and best friend spoke told his many loved ones that filled the church about their favourite memories of him.

His best friend of 30 years, Matt Baldwin, who Mr Keigher was best man for, brought laughter to the congregation with some humorous tales about their friendship. He said: “The only time I ever remember him putting our relationship on the line was when we were betting at the races.

“I chose a horse that he said would never win.

“The horse won and I celebrated winning £340, only to then see Kieran shaking his head at me and said I didn’t know what I was doing so he picked a different horse for me. I couldn’t believe it.

“Kieran was my best mate, best man and godfather to my little girl Faye. He was there whenever I needed him.

“Most people said we were like brothers but, in a way, we were more than that, because siblings sometimes fall out, but we never did. We only had good times.”

Mr Keigher’s brothers Kevin, Dave and John all spoke about their "cheeky and mischievous" younger brother who was a talented footballer with a "magic left foot".

As well as his wife, Mr Keigher leaves behind mum Philomena, two nieces, a nephew and six godchildren. After the service, he Kieran was laid to rest at Pleasington Crematorium.