FOR the first time ever at a funeral mass in St Mary's, Star of the Sea RC Church in Largs a Robert Burns song was sung as the coffin was carried out.

'A Man's A Man for A' That' was a unique tribute to Mr Joe McGinty, whose service was completely packed out at the chapel on Friday

It marked his standing as an honorary member of the Burns World Federation and a popular man in the local community.

Father Eamonn Flynn came out of retirement to conduct the mass alongside Monsignor Peter Magee. He described Joe, who died in Ayrshire Hospice, 79, as 'a gentleman, good man and great character'.

Fr Flynn added that the filled church was a reflection of the esteem and respect in which the Largs man was held.

He said: "Joe was a bright personality who always saw a glass half full.

"He worked as a plasterer until he fell ill at 76 and he was a great Burns man, president of Largs Cronies Burns Club, and an excellent singer."

In a well-delivered eulogy, his friend Angus Middleton, past president of the World Federation, said that Joe had been proud to be a long-serving parishioner of St Mary's.

He added: "He told me he was a committed Catholic, but never a bigot. He said that he wished he had joined the Burns movement sooner.

"One of his proudest moments was to be involved in the organisation of the annual Burns conference in Winnipeg, Canada, where he sang in the Royal Suite."

It was through his performances with Largs Operatic Society that Joe met and married Jeanette in 1968, celebrating their golden wedding last year with daughter Clare and granddaughters Hannah and Megan.

Although Joe had been president of the local Burns Club from 2002 to 2004, he had taken the chair again at the last AGM with Angus as his senior vice-president.

Cronies who had been there for him during his years of battling cancer were Ray Connal, David Galt and Craig Anderson, who made sure that he still made it to events despite his sticks or wheelchair. Even in his last days in the hospice he watched, on a computer tablet, a video of local schoolchildren performing in the Burns Club competitions. St Mary's Primary School has a Papa McGinty Trophy for the person who tries hardest.

Mr Middleton, who had the congregation laughing at a few of Joe's real life stories, finished with some Burns verses which began "An Honest Man..." to loud applause.

There was further applause when Joe's daughter, Clare MacKenzie, read her own poem about her dad ,which began, 'This Man Held Me In His Arms...'.

In attendance were Joe's brothers, Roderick and Gerard and sister Mary. He was predeceased by brother Pat.

His burial took place at the cemetery in Brisbane Glen and a collection was taken for the Ayrshire Hospice, which was praised for its care, alongside the McMillan Nurses and local North Ayrshire Carers.