THE distressed family of IRA suspect Diarmuid O'Neill asked yesterday that they be allowed grieve with dignity for their song when his funeral takes place this afternoon in Timoleague.
The body of Mr O'Neill, who was shot dead by British police last week, arrived in Cork Airport on an Aer Lingus flight from London yesterday. When the flight touched down shortly before 11 a.m., Mr Eoghan O'Neill, his wife, Terry, both in their 50s, as well as the dead man's sister, Siobhan (23) and his brother, Shane (22), were brought away by airport police after they left the aircraft.
They managed to avoid a huge, national and international media presence but indicated through gardai that they would allow photographs to be taken later in the day at their home in Timoleague.
The coffin bearing Mr O'Neill was brought across the tarmac in an Aer Lingus container to the airport mortuary where it remained overnight. There was a strong but discreet Garda presence at the airport. In line with the wishes of the family, photographs of the coffin were not allowed. When making arrangements for photographs to be taken at the family home, gardai stressed that the O'Neills did not want to speak to reporters about the events surrounding their son's death.
Later at Timoleague, Mr O'Neill did speak briefly to reporters from The Irish Times and the Irish Independent. Clearly distressed he said neither he nor the (rest of his family could bring themselves to give interviews while in mourning. Mrs O'Neill, Shane and Siobhan, shed tears at their front door as they said that they had to think of their own family's security.
O'Neill then re emerged from the house, where all the curtains had been drawn, and said, the family had changed its mind about having photographs taken. "You have to understand our posit ion. We are all too distressed to consider posing for photographs. My wife finds the idea too objectionable", he added. Asked if he believed there would be a paramilitary presence at today's funeral, he said he did not think so.
As the assembled media lined up in front of the O'Neills' home - Burren Cottage - to which Mr and Mrs O'Neill moved for their retirement 18 months ago, a statement was handed out by a relative, Mr John Lawson. It read:
"We are unable to give interviews or pose for photographs. We need to grieve for Diarmuid. Thank you for your understanding at this difficult time."
Chief Supt Noel Smith of Bandon asked media representatives not to intrude on the family while they were in mourning. He added that while he had no knowledge of a possible IRA presence at this afternoon's funeral, gardai had catered for "every contingency" and would do everything necessary to ensure that the O'Neills could bury their son in a dignified and proper manner.
The burial will take place this afternoon after 2.30 Mass in Timoleague church.