Funeral of man who died in stabbing in Co Cork hears of his love for infant daughter

Olivia Kelleher

A woman whose husband died in a stabbing incident in Cork city has told mourners at his funeral that he meant the “whole world” to her and their infant daughter.

A picture of Ukrainian national, Oleksandr Zhyvtskyi, was placed on his coffin at the North Cathedral Church in Cork city.

Oleksandr (31) had left the home he shared with his wife and their 11-month-old daughter in Camden Court, Carroll’s Quay in Cork city at 7.30 pm on March 16th last in order to buy food.

When he returned to the apartment shortly afterwards, he was visibly injured. His wife raised the alarm.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but they were unable to resuscitate him and he died in his home.

His wife Viktoriya Sanchuk said that her late husband adored their daughter Yeva. She also spoke of her devotion to Oleksandr.

“He (Oleksandr) loved his little daughter dearly. She was his whole world. His greatest joy and the meaning of his life. For me he wasn’t just a husband. He was my strength. My support and my safe place in life.

"He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and loved as a bright and kind person who brought so much love in to this world. His life was short but filled with meaning, warmth and authenticity.

"You were my home, my strength and my heart. Our daughter and I will always and forever love you.”

Viktoriya said that Oleksandr was a giving person who had much to offer the world.

“His close friends and his younger brother are grateful for his help and guidance in technical matters. From painting homes to repairing cars from replacing cooling systems to laying tiles he could do it all.

The world would deeply miss such a talented, creative and hard working person. His greatest value in life was his family. For his loved ones he was someone who would do anything — without hesitation and until the very end.”

Meanwhile, a priest of the Byzantine Rite of the Greek Catholic Church, Fr Roman Biletskyy, sang hymns and recited prayers for his countryman at the mass.

The noon mass was concelebrated by Fr Sean Crowley. Also in attendance was Bishop Emeritus John Buckley.

Oleksandr was a metal fabricator by profession and had lived in Ireland for several years.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is also survived by his parents Halyna and Mykola, brother Maksym, in-laws Nadya and Serhiy, sister-in-law Alina, brother-in-law Jimmy, extended family, work colleagues and his many friends.

He will be laid to rest this afternoon at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully, Co Cork.

A 42-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Mr Zhyvtskyi. He is due back before Cork District Court tomorrow.