THOSE INVOLVED in violence and killings in Limerick were yesterday urged to stop “the madness” by the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray, in a strongly worded appeal at the funeral Mass of a father-of-two shot dead last week.
Bishop Murray told mourners of the death of 35-year-old Roy Collins, from Monaleen, that the passing of any young man was a tragic blow for any family – but the circumstances of Mr Collins’s death made his passing even more difficult to bear.
“The sudden death of a young man is a huge blow and when it’s the result of senseless violence, it seems even more meaningless and it strikes at all of us and we see the darkness and the pain that’s inflicted by such acts,” he said.
“And not only do they destroy the life of the victim but they also diminish the humanity of those who carry out such acts – they give a horrible example to the children who would see such acts as anything other than the vile and futile things they are.
“At this Mass, we all appeal and pray that this madness, this utter madness will stop,” said Bishop Murray, as over 1,000 mourners gathered to remember the popular businessman.
Mr Collins was shot dead last Thursday in the Coin Castle Arcade at Roxboro Shopping Centre.
Bishop Murray’s appeal was echoed by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Bishop Trevor R Williams, who said the community’s response to Mr Collins’s murder showed that people would not “put up with the callous desecration of human life”.
Gardaí are investigating whether the killing of Mr Collins is linked to threats made against his family four years ago when his cousin Ryan Lee gave evidence in court against a leading member of the McCarthy-Dundon gang.
Mr Lee was shot in the family pub, Brannigan’s Bar, in 2005 after he refused to serve the 14-year-old sister of Limerick gang figure Wayne Dundon.
Mr Lee gave evidence against Dundon, who was jailed in 2005 for his threats to Mr Lee’s life.
Leading the mourners at yesterday’s Mass were Mr Collins’s parents Stephen and Carmel, his daughters Shannon (12) and Charlie (8), his brothers Stephen and Paul, his sister Leanne, his cousin Ryan Lee and his fiancee Melissa Crawford, whom he was due to marry this summer.
The Government was represented by Minister for Defence and local Limerick East TD Willie O’Dea, while his constituency colleagues Jan O’Sullivan and Kieran O’Donnell represented the Labour Party and Fine Gael.
Earlier, Limerick mayor John Gilligan, who had condemned the killing, met with the Collins family as they arrived at St John’s Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Members of Limerick City Council also attended the requiem Mass.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Ludlow, Supt Frank O’Brien of Henry Street Garda station and Supt Ann Marie McMahon of Roxboro Road Garda station also attended.
At the Mass, local curate Fr Sean Harmon issued a strong appeal for the killing to stop.
“Roy loved Limerick – he was so very proud of where he came from, and Limerick was so much part of him.
“Today we acknowledge that here in Limerick, one of our greatest attributes is in the many wonderful people and families who live here.
“It is so evident and clear – in the wonderful and good neighbours and in caring and supportive local communities – violence has no place in any town or city, and violence has no place here in Limerick,” he said.
Fr Harmon urged people to redouble their prayers and efforts so that “those who commit such terrible deeds will see the evil of their ways and that our State agencies whose duty it is to confront such perpetrators will have the full support of the entire community”.
“Today, I appeal on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Limerick that you men of violence will look deep into your hearts and see the great evil that you are committing and the untold heartbreak and pain you are bringing to the families of the victims.
“Spare a thought too for the fact that by your evil deeds, you have besmirched the precious name of your ancient and beautiful and cherished city of Limerick,” said Fr Harmon, before Mr Collins’s remains were taken for burial.