A LARGE crowd gathered at Killegar, near Killeshandra, in Co Cavan yesterday afternoon for the funeral of 73-year-old pensioner Johnny Golden.
Mr Golden died at Cavan General hospital one month after he was attacked and beaten at his isolated bungalow at Nedd Doogarry, Killeshandra, on the Cavan/ Leitrim border, on September 6th.
He never regained consciousness after falling into a coma after the attack which puzzled many as there was no robbery at the scene and no forced entry into his bungalow.
The funeral had been delayed by a month as the State Pathologist’s office carried out further detailed examinations of the body to determine the exact cause of death. The results have not yet been released.
The service was conducted by the local rector Alison Calvin and Dean Raymond Ferguson, who welcomed the huge attendance to the small church. It was filled to capacity with hundreds more standing outside.
The cortege carrying the coffin the three miles from his house at Doogarry was drawn by a tractor as a mark of respect for Mr Golden’s work for many years as a mechanic repairing and renovating vintage vehicles. Members of various vintage societies formed a guard of honour.
“We are finally laying Johnny to rest after a long, but necessary delay.
“As seen here today, Johnny was known and liked all over the Isle of Ireland,” Rector Alison Calvin told the congregation.
The dean of the area, Rev Raymond Ferguson, also addressed the congregation and praised the Garda for their hard work for the community.
Three youths who were arrested and questioned by gardaí in connection with Mr Golden’s death have been released.
Files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.