Pals and celebs bid farewell to tragic Daniel

The 25-year-old-son of famous stylist David and socialite Jackie Rafter died of a suspected drug overdose, over the weekend.

A number of high-profile names in Irish social circles were among the mourners at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, in Blackrock this morning.

They included snooker player Ken Doherty, singer Dickie Rock, radio DJ Dave Fanning and former Black Tie owner Niall O'Farrell.

FIGHTING

The congregation were told that Daniel had never given up fighting his addiction.

"Nobody deserves to die that way," the parish priest said adding that the young man had his whole life ahead of him.

He was a "funny guy, hilarious to be around," according to his friends.

Daniel was also part of the St Michael's College rugby team that won the Leinster Senior Cup for the first time in years.

Daniel is mourned his step-sister Laura, step-brother David, his girlfriend Kate, grandparents, uncles, aunts, his cherished and beloved cousins and many friends.

His sister told those gathered that she regretted that she didn't have more time with him.

"I told him he do whatever he set his mind to," she said.

Daniel had been fighting a lengthy battle with drug addiction issues in the past and was last year charged with selling heroin. He had been previously warned by a judge that he wouldn't live to see 50 unless he "got his act together".

charity

His mum Jackie is a former model and socialite who previously worked in the Wright Venue and set up children's charity the Bubblegum Club.

His dad is one of the country's top hair stylists.

Daniel had spent years battling personal issues and had speech and language difficulties as well as Attention Deficit Disorder from a young age.

He did courses in car mechanics, sports management, worked in a bookmakers and also worked in his father's salon in Dublin.

hnews@herald.ie