The priest who said the funeral Mass for the first murder victim of the new year has hit out at spiralling violence and revenge attacks.
Fr Steve Walshe told 200 mourners at the funeral yesterday of convicted criminal David Lynch (39) in St Joseph's Church, Ballytivnan, Sligo, that forgiveness now seemed to be a dirty word.
Fr Walshe said the killing was the third murder in two years on the town's Cranmore estate, adding: "It's just not on."
"The need to make someone, anyone, pay is perceived as essential for any disrespect, however slight."
Fr Walshe spoke of the "savagery" of Lynch's death when he was struck by seven bullets. He warned of the evil of aggressiveness and violent confrontation.
"The spiral of violence is going to become a whirlwind that will sweep us away."
The serenity around the altar where the crib and Christmas tree still dominated contrasted sharply with the sobs of Lynch's family, including his four children and his partner Lisa.
Fr Walshe said allegations had been made that "only added to the pain and suffering" of the Lynch family.
He added: "There is an increasing tendency to be judge and jury."
Lynch's partner, Lisa, broke down and wept as she recited some verse in his memory from the altar, saying the death was like "a bad dream and I can't wake up."
She said she was "happy" to be a part of his life in recent years and she recalled his pledge that they would mind each other. She added: "I guess I didn't mind you enough."
Lynch, who was buried later in Sligo town cemetery, was shot dead as he arrived home from a rabbit-hunt with a group of five, including his son and a 12-year-old neighbour, Daniel McMorrow, who was injured when struck by a bullet.
Gardaí say there is a long list of suspects but it is topped by a well-known local criminal family with the ability to carry out a professional hit like Lynch's murder.
Lynch had a violent criminal record which included convictions for armed robbery.
He served a number of prison terms including an eight-year stint.
Six years ago he turned up in court in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, with his own excrement spread on his face.
Gardaí last night said there had still been no arrests in the investigation into the murder.