More than 2,000 people arrived at Ashtead today to bid farewell to Mikey - who died when a car ploughed into him and his champion horse while they were racing along a nearby road last month
PADDY Doherty wept as he was faced with his nephew's coffin today, as thousands of travellers descended on a Surrey town for Mikey Connors' funeral.
More than 2,000 people arrived at Ashtead today to bid farewell to Mikey - who died when a car ploughed into him and his champion horse while they were racing along a nearby road last month.
His pale-blue coffin was inscribed with the words "our one in a billion" and took centre stage of the emotional tribute with his mum Mary weeping over the casket alongside his young wife Lizzie.
Today, Paddy paid tribute to Mikey - remembering him as a "fighter, singer, dancer".
Wiping tears from his eyes after the service, Paddy told The Sun Online: "We weren’t allowed to cry at my father’s funeral because that’s what he asked for and the way he was. But my father wasn’t there today and so everyone was crying in there.
"Mikey had everything, he was a fighter, a singer, a dancer, he had the looks, and was a great horseman.
"He wasn’t a five-star bloke - he was a 20-star bloke and everybody loved him."
He added: "He was like Father Christmas, everyone wanted a piece of him.
"His daughter said in the church ‘I know my daddy will have the best time in heaven because he always had the best of everything.’ And that’s right, it was beautiful.
"But this is nothing yet, we’re going to have a huge celebration later on."
People in high heels and striking dresses walked the red carpet into the popular man's funeral this morning.
Some were seen holding cans of Red Bull, as they readied themselves for the emotional day.
The funeral of dad-of-two Mikey - who had been regarded as a "hero" and "brilliant fighter" by fellow travellers - is under tight police security.
Cops were pictured trying to control the traffic as a fleet of 16 Rolls Royce Phantom cars arrived at St Michaels Church in Ashtead.
Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Paddy, 59, was at the head of the congregation at St Michael's Catholic Church, Ashtead, Surrey, for the morning service.
The stunning cortege was made up of white Rolls-Royce cars with blue flags on top, which brought traffic to a standstill after driving the mourners to the church.
Mikey’s horse Big T, killed in the same crash which led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, was also commemorated at the ceremony with flowers in his name.
Cops were trying to clear the narrow lanes around the church as curious locals watched on while stood in front of a millionaire’s row of houses.
Chief undertaker Paul Brown, who organised the funeral, said: “I’ve organised quite a few of these funerals but nothing on this scale.
“It’s taken three weeks to plan and people have come from all over the world.
“You can see it’s caused chaos in the town - nobody wants that to happen - but it’s impossible to organise a funeral of this size with impacting the community.”
The travellers are later planning a celebration of Milkey's life into the early hours of Wednesday morning at a secret five-star hotel within 20 miles of the funeral service.
Tragic Mikey - a lookalike for his famous TV uncle Paddy - was revered as a champion horse trainer who ran a stud farm near to his burial place.
After the service the travellers were planning on sealing off local roads to stage a horse and cart race in his honour.
One traveller said: "This is the ultimate tribute and nothing - not even the police - will stop us because Mikey lost his life racing and this is the ultimate honour."
Last night Paddy - Celeb Big Brother 2011 winner - looked distraught as he led a 500-strong crowd at a pre-funeral celebration of his life.
Reports claim a bare knuckle fight is due to take place after the service to settle a long running feud.
And - in a tribute to Mikey, his pals plan to seal off roads and stage a horse and cart race near racecourse.
This morning police mounted a huge security operation to prevent any violence as gypsies arrived from across the world for the big send-off.
Police chiefs have called on pubs and local businesses to warn them to close their premises today and shut early last night.
At the funeral mourners are expected to be dressed fit for a summer ball by wearing powder blue outfits - Mikey's favourite colour.
Women arrived in striking dresses, high heels and traditional costume jewellery - while the men donned shades, smart suits and slicked-back hair.
Eight horses will later take Mikey’s coffin to be buried in Epsom Cemetery overlooking the famous Derby racecourse.
Travellers are coming from as far afield as America and Switzerland. A source said: “Epsom will come to a standstill and no police will be able to stop us.”
At the time of his death friends and family took to social media to pay tribute to the dad.
Brother Simey Connors wrote: “I promised you (to) stay strong Mikey.
“It’s getting harder already you don’t understand how much I miss you brother.”
Another friend added: “Such a huge loss and all we can live for is memories and remember the smiles he gave everyone.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
