by Alex Wellman A lone piper and a packed and tearful church marked the emotional final journey of a friend lost in a tragic road accident. Tears were shed and stories told as part of Cricklewood came to a standstill to remember a legend

by Alex Wellman

A lone piper and a packed and tearful church marked the emotional final journey of a friend lost in a tragic road accident.

Tears were shed and stories told as part of Cricklewood came to a standstill to remember 'a legend and an absolute gentleman.'

The funeral of Michael Mulcahy, 57, of Anson Road, Cricklewood, and known to friends as 'Whiskey Tip,' was held in St Agnes Catholic Church in Cricklewood Lane, on Friday.

Mr Mulcahy, originally of Nenagh in County Tipperary and known throughout Kilburn and Cricklewood for his love of life, died after he was knocked down by a drainage cleaning machine.

Friends believe 'Tip' was crossing Cricklewood Broadway on Friday, February 13 to buy a paper when he was hit just after 7am.

He was rushed to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead but died later the same day.

An inquest into the death will open and adjourn in due course.

Mr Mulcahy's two sisters, brother-in-law, nephew and friends had flown in from Ireland the day before for the service.

Patsy O'Brien, a friend from Ireland, said: "We used to come over and see Michael a fair bit and he was always such great fun.

"He always had a smile on his face and was never on bad form at all. He really was just a great craic."

More than 300 people turned up to pay their respects and left the church so full at least 40 had to listen outside. Sheila McKeogh, Mr Mulcahy's sister, said: "It was a lovely service and everyone was just so good to us. We just cannot believe the number of people who turned up to see him off and the crowd at the church."

The service began with a piper playing Amazing Grace as he led the hearse carrying Mr Mulcahy's body, and his grieving family walking behind, along Cricklewood Lane.

Once in the car park, Mr Mulcahy's friends removed the coffin from the car and then carefully took him into the service.

His best friend for 37 years Jeremiah O'Sullivan, 56, from Cricklewood known as Killarney, was one of those who helped his friend on his final journey.

He said: "It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I never thought I would be doing that.

"He was a legend and an absolute gentleman and I will really, really miss him."

Once inside, the service lasted for 45 minutes before most went to The Castle pub in Finchley Road, Child's Hill, to raise a glass to their lost brother, uncle and friend.

Bridget Sullivan, Mr Mulcahy's sister, said: "He was so very humourous and such great fun. We will miss him dearly."

James McKeogh, Michael's nephew, said: "We would also like to thank the police, the ambulance and hospital for all their hard work in trying to save his life."

Anyone who witnessed the accident should call the Collision Investigation Unit at Alperton Traffic on 020 8998 5319.

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk