Attackers who bound and gagged Mr Eddie Fitzmaurice (82), a widower, from Charlestown, Co Mayo, who was found dead on the floor in his home last Wednesday have been condemned from the pulpit by the Bishop of Achonry, Dr Thomas Flynn.
At the funeral Mass in the parish church, Bishop Flynn described them as "sick" and stated that Mr Fitzmaurice's death marked a dark number of days for family and friends in the community.
"This violent and callous attack affects us all and highlights even more the need for communities to be caring. Whosoever are responsible for attacking Mr Fitzmaurice are sick people. He was an innocent man who made an important contribution to the life of the community for so many years." Bishop Flynn said people had a basic right to feel safe in their own homes and it was important this basic right be protected.
"A violent attack on one person is an attack on us all. What we have learnt from the manner of this death is that we all need a caring community, which is something we have taken for granted here for so long." The body of Mr Fitzmaurice was discovered in his home by a neighbour on Wednesday morning last after he had not been seen for days. He was wearing night clothes and he was bound hand and foot and gagged. It is not known yet how long he had remained in this condition but Garda sources believe the attack took place a number of days previous to his death. The cause of death was hypothermia.
As the investigation into Mr Fitzmaurice's death intensified, gardai removed video footage from petrol stations and from business premises around the county. A lot of detective work into the case has still to be done, according to Chief Supt John Carey. Mr Fitzmaurice is survived by four children, who live outside the county.