Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was among the mourners at the Church of St Vincent de Paul in Marino, Dublin, for the funeral of the promising sportsman who was due to start his Leaving Cert this week.

Fr Richard Hyland told the congregation that, although Sean had lived only a short life, he touched the hearts of countless people with the kindness he showed to his family, friends and neighbours.

People had gathered "in solidarity and support" for Sean's family at this difficult time, said the priest, and the teenager's parents Mick and Charlotte were having trouble coping with the loss of their son who was taken so suddenly. Sean, who lived in Fairview, had three siblings, Conor, Roisin and Daragh.

Fr Hyland added that Sean's life was not ending but merely changing, and that God had reserved a room in heaven for the student.

"On one wall there will be a giant Liverpool poster and on the other the biggest flat-screen TV you have ever seen and Sky Sports will be playing on it all day long, " he said.

The dead teen's family and friends played a role in the service and his oldest brother Conor explained what each offering meant as they were brought up to the altar.

A pair of Astroturf boots symbolised Sean's love of sport, he said. Two sports jerseys also showed his massive interest in soccer and Gaelic football. A Playstation game was also offered because Sean used to spend hours in his bedroom playing computer games. A photo of Sean in his school uniform symbolised the effect he had on all his friends.

The final offering was a family photo and Conor told the mourners that his brother loved his family and said they would get through their terrible ordeal by sticking together. Many in the church broke down during his moving oration, and as he left the altar, he gently touched his brother's coffin.

Sean was a big fan of The Beatles, and 'Let It Be' and 'In My Life' were played during the ceremony. Hundreds of young people were in the congregation; many of those present have been paying tribute to their friend on a Bebo page set up specially to mark Sean's passing.

His classmates from sixth year at St Joseph's CBS in Fairview formed a guard of honour, along with players from St Vincent's GAA club, as his body was brought to the church.

A giant floral tribute in the hearse said 'Sean, You Will Never Walk Alone', a reference to the football team that he supported since childhood. There were also other bouquets with the Liverpool crest.

Dublin manager Paul Caffrey was present to pay his respects ahead of today's championship match with Meath. Sean was a talented footballer who captained St Vincent's minor B team several times.

Following the ceremony in Marino, the gardai blocked off nearby streets as Sean's body was brought to Balgriffin Cemetery for burial.

His parents requested that people should not bring flowers to the church and asked instead for donations to be made to Temple Street Children's Hospital.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with assault causing harm to Sean Nolan at Waterloo Road, Dublin 4, on 26 May last. He has also been charged with producing a 10-inch bread knife and a six-inch kitchen knife.