HUNDREDS of people packed into Keighley Shared Church on Friday for the funeral of tragic Cowling rugby player Danny Kelly.

There was standing room only in the church foyer and a large crowd outside as Danny’s funeral cortege arrived in the early afternoon.

Many of Danny’s relatives were weeping as they followed the black coffin – carried by his brothers Liam and Sam, as well as cousins – into the church.

Danny, 23, from Haworth, was a former Holy Family School student, who worked as a fabricator and played amateur rugby league for Cowling Harlequins and Worth Village.

The father-of-one drowned off the coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos on August 24 while on holiday. It is believed he was the victim of a serious assault and fled into the sea to escape the attack.

During Friday’s funeral service, the thoughts of Danny’s family and friends were more on his life rather than the tragedy surrounding his death.

After the coffin was carried into the emotional strains of Danny Boy, his uncle, Nigel Knight, admitted the family was still reeling from the tragedy.

He said: “We’re shocked, scarred and angered by the senselessness that took him away.

"Nobody should die so young. There are no easy answers.

“I’m overwhelmed but not surprised by how many people have turned up today. By walking through that door you’ve said it all – no words are needed.”

Danny’s mother, Colette, in a statement read by a relative, described Danny as “our superhero”.

She said: “He didn’t conform to social norms – he was a free spirit who lived life on his own terms.

“He could brighten a room. He was always content, laid-back and happy. He had so many dreams and plans for the future."

Danny's mother described his ten-month-old daughter, Nora Grace, as “the best thing he ever did and the love of his life”, and said his soon-to-be-born second daughter had already been named Ivy after one of his favourite superheroes. A poem was read on behalf of Nora Grace, speaking of her pride in her father.

Danny’s cousin, Thomas Kelly, described him as a best mate and like a brother, and remembered good times out drinking around Bradford.

Thomas said: “We had a bond you couldn’t break. Danny had a heart of gold and a great sense of humour.”

Following a private ceremony in Haworth, Danny’s family invited well-wishers to celebrate his life at the Octagon Club in Sandbeds.