The brother of a Waterford man who died after taking cocaine at a party, issued at an emotional plea at his funeral Mass for other young people to say "no to drugs".
Kevin Doyle (21), one of two men who became critically ill after a house party almost two weeks ago, died on Tuesday at Waterford Regional Hospital.
Prayers were also offered for Kevin's friend, John Grey (23), who remains in a critical condition.
Eric Doyle, Kevin's older brother, was applauded by hundreds of mourners at St Mary's Church in Ballygunner after making a heartfelt warning about the dangers of drugs.
Mr Doyle said young people did not realise the risks they faced when taking drugs and warned against experimenting with potentially lethal substances.
"For those who attended the party on that fateful night, it's fair to say they thought it would never happen to them. Our family never thought it would happen to us and Kevin never thought it would happen to him.
"If there is one message out of this, it's that it can and will happen to you and to anyone who takes chances with drugs.
"Don't do it. It's not worth the risk of losing your family and friends - just say no," Mr Doyle said, to applause.
Mr Doyle said Kevin had successfully battled with cancer in recent years and had been keen to rediscover his social life after what was a difficult time in his life.
He had started travelling abroad, was enjoying life with his friends and had begun studying a course on electronic engineering.
Local priest Fr JJ Treacy told mourners they should cherish their memories of Kevin and offer them up as prayers in remembrance of him.
During the offertory procession, the young man's friends placed his passport on the altar, a sign of his interest in travelling, as well as a PlayStation and a ring.
The Requiem Mass was attended by hundreds of mourners including Bishop of Lismore and Waterford William Lee, local politicians, as well as friends and neighbours from the Ballybeg estate, where the Doyle family live.
Kevin is survived by his mother Betty, father John and brothers Eric and Ray.
Eric Doyle told mourners that his family was left devastated by his brother's death.
He said that after Kevin's successful struggle with cancer, he had huge hopes of developing a career in engineering and travelling across the globe.
However, these hopes, sadly, would never be fulfilled.
"He was a bright and intelligent young man . . . whose potential was limited only by his imagination," Mr Doyle said. "He was the kind of person who could talk to you about anything . . . He'll leave a gaping hole in all our lives."