About 1,000 people attended a peaceful rally in Dublin yesterday to remember the short life of 15-year-old stabbing victim Toyosi Shitta-bey.

"God wanted a football player for his team in heaven. He looked down and saw Toyosi Shitta-bey," his cousin Abisoye Shitta-bey told those assembled, in a poem she wrote for the occasion.

"So God took him by the hand… Toyosi now plays with the angels in heaven. Every time he scores they cheer so loud. He is now safe in God's hand."

The talented young footballer, who played for Shelbourne football club, was stabbed to death on Good Friday close to his home at Mount Eustace in Tyrellstown.

Two men have been char­ged in relation to his death.

The commemorative rally and march to Dáil Eireann was organised by his friends and family. It was supported by several left-wing political groups including the Socialist Party and Sinn Féin, along with Siptu and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

The message to those assembled was to promote togetherness and integration in Irish society.

"Toyosi was a very special person. He loved football more than anything, he used to play in the house. He would keep his football in his schoolbag instead of his school books. It was his dream one day to play for Ireland," his cousin Abisoye added.

"I know he would not like us to grieve for too long. He would like us to remember the many good memories of him. We hope Toyosi's death with be the last of its kind."

Toyosi's mother Bola attended the commemoration yesterday. She chose not to speak to the assembled crowd but thanked everyone for their show of solidarity. Some of the teenager's younger brothers were also present.

There was a different mood at the rally compared to other demonstrations in Tyrellstown since his tragic death.

There was not the same outpouring of grief as his friends and relatives chose yesterday to remember all their good memories about the young man who touched so many lives.

A minute's silence was observed. Pastor Dare Adetuberu, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, based in the area, also addressed the crowd. "May his precious soul rest in peace. May almighty God grant us peace in Jesus' name." Socialist MEP Joe Higgins spoke about low-level racism in every part of Irish society.

There was a visible garda presence at the rally, with officers mingling with the crowd. There was no inkling of violence despite some concerns in the Muslim community that there could be expressions of anger. Black and white people of different ages carried banners stating: 'Show Racism the Red Card' and many wore tee-shirts with a picture of their dead friend in his football strip. "He's gone but never forgotten," said his friend Yves Apala.