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Hundreds Gather For Funeral Of Paddy Doherty’s Dad

Hundreds Gather For Funeral Of Paddy Doherty’s Dad

Many came from across the UK to say goodbye.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

The lives and issues faced by travellers across the UK were highlighted in the reality TV show My Big, Fat Gypsy Wedding.

The show documented their lifestyle and along with the large wedding dresses worn by the bride.

Paddy Doherty, who featured in the show, became a mini celebrity and also won Celebrity Big Brother.

Unfortunately, Paddy's dad Simon passed away recently but his family weren't going to let him be buried without a fitting funeral.

paddy 2
paddy 2

Credit: PA

Simon's coffin was imprinted with the tricolours of Ireland as well as the words: "Simon Doherty - blacksmith, King of all Doherty's."

Hundreds of people gathered to farewell Simon at St Michael's Catholic Church in Ashstead while at least a dozen Rolls Royce vehicles were stationed outside the funeral in Surrey.

Paddy told the crowd: "He was like mafia in his own way, not in a bad way - any trouble they would go to him.

paddy
paddy

Credit: PA

"He was like the godfather - what he said was law.

"He said I want no one crying at my funeral, I want them happy, singing and get them drunk."

paddy
paddy

Credit: PA

Paddy said his dad was an outstanding and great man who wanted the best in life. He, along with other close family members, wore a red tie as it was Simon's favourite colour.

And if you thought that was an impressive turn out - thousands are expected to attend a procession through north London.

Paddy was spared jail time in 2014 after being sentenced for headbutting Douglas McDonagh during a heated row.

The former bare knuckle champion was told he was too old for fighting. Judge Michael Henshell told the courtroom: "You are now aged 55. You are too old to be coming back to these courts for fighting in pubs.

"In this case you had been to a pub after a funeral and you had been drinking and your emotions were raised and you had been provoked."

He was facing time behind bars because the assault breached a 24-month suspended sentence for a separate brawl in 2012 with his cousin.

Featured Image Credit: PA