In Animal Farm, what aspects of the "memorial banquet" for Boxer are ironic?

There are
many ironies in and the removal ofis a significant one.had warned Boxer
early in the novel that his hard work would count for nothing. Ironically, it is the pigs who
now dispose of him:

You, Boxer, the very day that those
great muscles of yours lose their power, Jones will sell you to the knacker, who will cut your
throat and boil you down for the foxhounds

Benjamin, the
cynic who chooses to watch as the pigs take over and is more like an observer than a
participant, is unable to help his friend Boxer when he realizes what will happen to him. His
call to the animals is too late and Boxer is unable to free himself. The animals allowto
convince them, a few days later, that

Boxer died in the
hospital after receiving the best care

and it was all a
misunderstanding. Squealer explains away the fact that the cart displays a disturbing
sign

Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler,
Willingdon, Dealer in Hides and Bone-Meal. Kennels Supplied

by making up a story about the 'new' owner - the vet. The animals fears are allayed and
the pigs take pains to show their appreciation of Boxer by claiming that they will lay a wreath
on his grave. There is NO grave! A memorial service, for their fallen "comrade" will
be held in Boxer's honor. Seemingly insignificant occurences containing much , revealing the
pigs ultimate deceit and betrayal.  

wastes no time and, as an opportunist,
uses it to reinforce the principles the animals should live by. All the animals respected Boxer
so reminding them of Boxer's mantra to "work harder" and "Comrade Napoleon is
always right"  is the perfect platform to promote his form of 'animalism.'

The pigs will have been paid for Boxer's remains and the crate of whisky that arrives
is doubtless purchased with the funds - the ultimate betrayal which adds to the irony
surrounding Boxer's death and the significance of the memorial service.