Crowds of people have been inspired to fill a funeral chapel to attend a service for a total stranger.

The Iran war and fuel prices stopped most of Michael Purcell’s family travelling from Ireland to bid him goodbye in Victoria on Friday.

But community callouts for anyone who might want to attend Purcell’s funeral brought an overwhelming response.

Born in Ireland, Purcell spent his later life in Bendigo, north of Melbourne. Late last year he died, aged 88.

Last Sunday, the central Victorian funeral home put out a call for people to say a final farewell to Purcell. In an incredible show of community spirit, the chapel was flooded for his service, to the point the funeral director had to turn people away because there wasn’t enough space.