Coleen wrote: “A very sad day for us today as we said goodbye to our lovely Paddy. He meant the world to us and we’ll miss him more than I can put into words. Ciara has written the most beautiful tribute and it says it all far better than I ever could.”

Her daughter’s tribute read: “I was 10 and he was too. I was scared of him but he carried me through. He taught me the ropes but he pushed his boundaries and I stayed by your side and loved you profoundly.

“I was 15 and he was too. A teenager with lots of worries but he carried me through. I lay on his back, that’s where I felt safest, that’s when I realised no-one could replace this. He’d nuzzle me gently when things got too loud, on his back is where I felt my true authentic self.

“I was 21 and he was too. Just starting to explore more and you carried me through. And looking back I wouldn’t have met half the people if it wasn’t for you. I’ve met best friends for life but the main one was you.”

She continued: “I am turning 25 now and he is too. We’ve grown up together and you’ve carried me through. We’ve finally lived together, the dream all my life, I look out my window and you trot on by.

“You’ve seen me become a other, thank you for holding on. You can rest now Paddy, your job here is done. I will miss you forever.”

Fans quickly rushed to comment their messages of support, with one writing: “Beautiful Ciara… such a profound loss. He seems like the very best friend a girl could ask for. He had the best life. You gave him that.”

Another echoed: “So sorry to hear that. Sending love to you Coleen.”

While a third fan said: “So sorry and what a lovely poem.”