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Stephen Gately’s mum praises Boyzone fans as they attend mass on 10th anniversary of his death


Stephen Gately of Boyzone died in 2009 (Picture: Redferns)

Stephen Gately’s mum Margaret Gately has praised Boyzone fans for being ‘so so kind’ on the 10th anniversary of his death.

The star passed away from a heart defect back on 10 October 2009 but on the same day 10- years later, Stephen’s mum joined together with fans from across the world to at Laurence O’Toole Church on Sheriff Street in Dublin, where his funeral mass also took place.

Margaret said it meant ‘billions’ to see his fans come to the mass on Thursday, describing them as ‘so, so kind’.

‘It’s very, very sad, but I will see him again. He is up there with his Da,’ she said.

Among the fans who flew to Dublin were Laura Ruttiman from Switzerland and Cherisse Rashad from Manchester.

Speaking to Independent.ie, Cherisse said: ‘I just had to be here. It felt right. I came on his 40th birthday a few years ago, and I came over for his funeral.’

Stephen Gately’s parents Margaret and Martin Gately in 2009 at his funeral mass (Picture: Getty)

Laura added that although 10 years is ‘a long time when you think about it, but the good thing is, he is still remembered online’.

‘All the fans remember him,’ she said, adding that he is always mentioned at concerts and events by the band: ‘Every concert, they talk about him, and the anniversaries. The fans are still very much online talking about him, today as well.’

Stephen died in his sleep while on a break in Majorca with his partner Andy Cowles.

Stephen Gately and boyfriend Andy Cowles (Picture: Getty)

Boyzone paid tribute on Thursday, with Ronan Keating markingthe sad day by taking to his story and sharing 10 pictures of his late friend.

He wrote the number 10, followed by the words ‘miss ya bro x’.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3bexegBS0G/

Keith Duffy also shared a tribute to his 117,000 followers alongside a picture of both himself and Stephen laughing together on stage.

‘Chance made us Colleagues Love and laughter and fun made us best friends,’ he wrote: ‘I miss you brother 10 years ago today the good lord deemed you to good for this world [sic].’

The 45-year-old added: ‘He needed an angel in heaven! Today I celebrate and reminisce all the fun and laughter ups and downs.

‘I love you Steo and I pray you continue to look over me. see you down the road Stephanie Xxxx All my love Kitty xxx.’



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