THE funeral of Mr Patrick Daly (69), the Kerry farmer who was murdered near his home last week, took place yesterday in his native Kilcummin, four miles from Killarney.
A small congregation gathered at Kilcummin Church for the requiem Mass, celebrated by Father John O'Sullivan, the parish priest of Kilcummin.
In his homily, Father O'Sullivan said the circumstances of Mr Daly's death were particularly tragic for a small community.
These days our newspapers are full of news concerning violence. But when it comes so close to home we feel double the impact.
It will take our community a long time to recover from this tragedy," he said, adding that the people of Kilcummin were deeply shocked by what had happened.
Father O'Sullivan asked the congregation to pray for Mr Daly's soul and to remember his family and friends in their prayers.
As the body was carried to the hearse, friends and neighbours of the family paid their respects to Mr Sean Daly (71), the victim's brother, and his nephews James (29), and Eugene (21), as well as Ms Margaret Daly, a niece.
The funeral procession then took place to the Old Kilcummin Cemetery where a decade of the Rosary was recited after prayers for the dead.
About 100 people remained at the grave side for a few minutes after the coffin was lowered. Neighbours said Mr Daly's death was the most shocking incident to have occurred in Kilcummin Parish.
Supt Mick O'Neill, who is leading the investigation, said yesterday the Garda had received excellent cooperation from the public.
He added the 105 acre farm at Kilcummin which was owned by the dead man, was still being searched for a murder weapon. Circulars have been sent to houses in the area asking people if they saw or heard anything suspicious after Mr Daly's disappearance last Thursday week.
"As of yet nobody has been questioned in connection with the killing but we are satisfied with the way the investigation is going," he added.