Those involved in violence and killings in Limerick were today urged to stop “the madness” by the Bishop of Limerick, in an appeal at the funeral mass of father-of-two Roy Collins, who was shot dead last week.
Bishop Donal Murray told mourners at the funeral mass of 35-year-old Mr Collins that the death of any young man was a tragic blow for any family, but it became even more difficult to bear when that death was the result of senseless violence.
"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."
More than 1,000 mourners gathered today to remember the businessman who was shot dead last Thursday in the Coin Castle Arcade in Roxboro Shopping Centre.
"At this mass, we all appeal and pray that this madness, this utter madness will stop," said Bishop Murray.
His appeal was echoed by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Bishop Trevor R Williams who said that the community's response to Mr Collins's murder showed that people would not "put up with the callous desecration of human life".
Leading the mourners at yesterday's mass were Mr Collins' 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 fiancée, Melissa Crawford whom he was due to marry this summer.
The Government was represented by the Minister for Defence and local Limerick East TD, Willie O'Dea TD while his constituency colleagues, Jan O'Sullivan TD represented the Labour Party and Kieran O'Donnell TD represented Fine Gael.
Earlier, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan, who had strongly condemned the killing, met with the Collins family as they arrived at St John's Cathedral in the heart of Limerick City while members of Limerick City Council also attended the requiem mass.
Gardaí believe Mr Collins was targeted because his family gave evidence against Wayne Dundon who was jailed for seven years after he was convicted of threatening to kill Roy Collins' first cousin Ryan Lee at Brannigan's Bar in Limerick in December 2004.
Assistant Garda Commissioner, Kevin Ludlow and Supt Frank O'Brien of Henry Street and Supt Ann Marie McMahon of Roxboro Road Garda Stations also attended the requiem mass where they heard local curate, Fr Sean Harmon issue 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...violence has no place in any town or city and violence had no place here in Limerick."
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 brought to Kilmurray Cemetery in Castletroy for burial.
