Vicky Phelan 'will go down in history as one of the bravest women in Ireland'

The love, respect and esteem Vicky Phelan was held in was evidenced at a celebration of her life in Kilkenny.

Thousands of people descended on the village of Mooncoin, and gathered outside the Church of the Assumption to honour the life of the mother-of-two, who brought to light the CervicalCheck scandal, which saw dozens of women across Ireland falsely given the cancer all-clear.

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After a brave battle, Vicky passed away aged 48 earlier this month, plunging the country into sadness.

While her family remembered her with a private funeral, a public memorial service on Sunday in south Kilkenny saw tributes paid to Vicky.

The small church in the village was packed to capacity – while up to 5,000 watched online – with a big screen showing off images from her life.

At Vicky’s own request, it was an upbeat occasion, as music featured prominently, with Bressie, The Stunning and the Mount Sion Choir performing.

John Wall, the Clare man who is himself terminally ill with cancer, read a message to the congregation from her devastated husband Jim on behalf of himself, and their two children Amelia and Darragh.

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"I cannot begin to tell you how much this all means to the three of us. We are incredibly proud of Vicky, of all that she achieved and the amazing person she was. Through the toughest of times, she shared incredible strength looking out for us, and ensuring we always did our best as a family.”

Her sister Lyndsey said: “Vicky will go down in history as one of the bravest women in Ireland. She is remarkable, resilient and bursting with courage. A fearless warrior. When Vicky spoke, everyone listened, we wanted to hear what she had to say. You hung on every word waiting for the next.”

Vicky’s children, nieces and nephews presented gifts to the altar reflecting a life cut far too short.

A family photograph was placed, while her medal for completing the 2008 Belfast City Marathon was also offered.

Vicky’s memoir, Overcoming, was brought up, while her nephew Tyler carried sand from her “favourite place”, the beach at Doonbeg.

A beautiful tribute from Lorraine Walsh to her late friend Vicky Phelan #cervicalcheckscandal pic.twitter.com/Ft9cuJYivP

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A Kilkenny shirt was brought up, as was a Munster jersey, and one in the colours of Aisling Annacotty, who her son Darragh played soccer for.

A vinyl record represented her love of music, song and dance, while it was left to young Darragh to present the doctoral cap she received from her alma mater, the University of Limerick, alongside a gavel to represent his mum’s fight for “truth and justice for the women of Ireland.”

A picture of Luna, the family cat was also offered.

Tributes also came from fellow cervical-check campaigner Lorraine Walsh, who said: “You have ensured a better future for the women of Ireland and their daughters. No-one will ever know the true extent of the work ethic you put into achieving that.”

Stephen Teap, who tragically lost his wife Irene to cancer five years ago, described Vicky as “such a positive force” to his family.