One of the State's most senior gardaí has said "everything possible" was being done to find the killers of Pat Coleman, who was murdered in Southill in Limerick on Monday.
Deputy Commissioner Martin Callinan was speaking at the launch of a neighbourhood watch initiative at a hotel just 100 yards from where the 33-year-old father of two was killed.
"This was a terrible tragedy, a terrible event and a terrible crime," he said.
"We are doing all we can to solve this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. That is a commitment."
While he made his comments, the funeral was taking place of Mr Coleman just eight miles away, at St Joseph's Church in Ballybrown. The small church was overflowing as friends and family of the murder victim united in grief.
Simple floral tributes filled the side of the altar with messages such as, "Remembering all the good times, will always love you", and "Never forget ya kid!". One wreath also read "Happy" - a reference to Pat's nickname.
Mr Coleman's parents, Gemma and Pat, who travelled to Limerick from their home in Sligo on Monday, led the mourners. His three sisters were also present, as were his two daughters, Kila (6) and Óran (8).
Their mother, Diane Curran, who is originally from Terveau in nearby Clarina, was comforting them throughout the Mass.
In his homily, Fr Muiris O'Connor said: "Pat was a hard worker and he was popular with his friends and work colleagues because he had a generous nature and at the end of the day it is the quality of our living rather them the detail of our dying which has the most significance."