Garda presence likely at Limerick funeral

Security is expected to be tight at the funeral in Co Limerick tomorrow of the woman whose death sparked a bitter dispute between…

Security is expected to be tight at the funeral in Co Limerick tomorrow of the woman whose death sparked a bitter dispute between her parents and her partner over her burial.

The dispute was settled earlier this week after Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled in the High Court that Kathleen McCarthy O'Reilly's parents should have control of her funeral arrangements.

Gardaí at Askeaton confirmed last night that they would maintain a significant but discreet presence at tomorrow's funeral in Kilcornan, Co Limerick.

Timothy O'Reilly, who had two children with Kathleen (22) at Kilmallock, Co Limerick, following an "invalid" wedding ceremony, lost an application in the High Court to conduct his wife's funeral arrangements. However, Ms Justice Dunne ruled on Tuesday that both families should be allowed to hold separate wakes.

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Kathleen was removed to O'Connor's funeral home in Cork city last night where the McCarthy family held a wake. The body will be transferred later today to St Senan's funeral home in Shanagolden, Co Limerick, where the O'Reilly family will pay their respects.

Tensions between the two families had predated Kathleen's tragic death but escalated this week as they argued bitterly over where she should be buried. Mr O'Reilly had wanted to bury his wife in Bruff, Co Limerick, against the wishes of her parents.

Kathleen McCarthy O'Reilly will be buried tomorrow at Kilcornan cemetery in Co Limerick following 11am Requiem Mass.

The cemetery is being viewed as a compromise arrangement with members of both families, who are distantly related, already buried there.