A Limerick priest yesterday appealed for an end to killing as mourners prepared to bury the latest murder victim.
Father Donough O'Malleymade the plea at the funeral Mass for Michael Campbell-McNamara, who was shot dead in the city earlier this week.
The 23-year-old's body was discovered dumped in a field off Fedamore Road on the city's south side last Monday. His hands and feet had been bound.
Speaking at yesterday's Mass in St Mary's Church in Limerick, Father O'Malley appealed for an end to violence.
"Hatred is a cancer that must be wiped out. Christ said all life is sacred. Michael's life was definitely sacred. It was cut down like a peace of grass.
"Now is the time to stop being unkind, selfish, fighting, revengeful. I ask you in the name of God to stop fighting, stop killing," he said.
"Michael, aged 23, is dead. His family is devastated. Our city is horrified. Nobody is the better for this death. There is no winner. Evil brings no good."
A burnt-out car recovered on Monday night near the area where Mr Campbell-McNamara's body was found was still being examined yesterday by forensic experts.
"We cannot confirm yet whether or not the car belonged to the deceased as it was completely burnt out. Forensic tests are still being carried out," said Supt Gerry Mahon, who is leading the investigation.
"Full-scale house-to-house inquiries are still under way in the area," he added.
A post-mortem by the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, found that the victim died from gunshot wounds to the body. He had also been stabbed a number of times, which would indicate that he may have been tortured before being shot.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was in the vicinity of the Fedamore Road last Sunday night or Monday morning to contact them at 061-214340.