LIMERICK WILL be united in grief today when mourners gather for the funeral of Shane Geoghegan, whose killing has caused horror and dismay.
The city has experienced a wave of public outrage, coupled with an over-riding sense of solidarity with the family of the murdered 28-year-old.
Thousands of people from all sections of the community have signed books of condolence opened in memory of the Garryowen rugby player, who will be laid to rest today following 11am Mass in St Joseph's Church.
Speaking ahead of the funeral, Fr Tom Mangan, administrator at St Joseph's parish, called on those involved in criminal gangs in Limerick to change their ways.
"People involved in criminal activity cannot seem to stop.
"They are just on a different level and I wish they would open their hearts and their minds and think seriously about this, and I wish they would just stop this horrific continuation of crime," he said.
Mr Geoghegan's former schoolteacher at the Crescent College Comprehensive in Limerick, Fr Jim Maher will be the chief celebrant at today's Mass. Mourners will be led by the parents of the deceased, Tom and Mary, brother Anthony and girlfriend Jenna Barry.
Mr Geoghegan's Garryowen team-mates will form a guard of honour at the Mass along with work colleagues from Atlanta Aero Engineering in Shannon where he worked as a fitter.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be represented by his aide-de-camp and Limerick's mayor Cllr John Gilligan will also attend, along with many of Limerick's elected public representatives.
A two-minute silent protest will take place at 2pm in the main plaza at the University of Limerick today.
And one minute's silence will be observed at Croke Park on Saturday when Ireland play New Zealand.
A minute's silence is also planned for Thomond Park next Tuesday night when Munster take on the All-Blacks.
Limerick's Football Club, Limerick 37, will wear black armbands this weekend when they play in Dublin.
Secretary of Garryowen rugby club Eoghan Prendergast said the well-known club had received messages of support from sporting organisations around the country and abroad.
North Shore rugby club in Boston, which visited Garryowen last year, also contacted the club this week when they learned of the tragedy.
"Rugby is quite a close-knit sport and sometimes this is taken for granted, but we have received messages of support from other sporting clubs and soccer and GAA organisations," said Mr Prendergast.
A special Mass will take place in Garryowen rugby clubhouse this Friday evening at 7.30pm in memory of the popular team captain.
The club also plans to retire Mr Geoghegan's number three jersey from its thirds' team.
Meanwhile, at City Hall yesterday, people queued throughout the day to sign the book of condolence opened last Monday.
Among those present was Australian Lorraine Gaffney, wife of Irish backs coach Alan Gaffney, who lived in Limerick with her husband when he was coach of the Munster ruby team.
"I'm just so very saddened by this turn of events, which is just so sad and so shocking. Everyone in Limerick was very good to us when we lived here and that is why I came down here today, " she said.
Leslie Ferguson, who has lived in Limerick all his life, said he was horrified at the loss of such an innocent life.
"It's a terrible tragedy and we have to show our concern.
"It's just frightening to think this can happen to an innocent person," he said.
Another local woman, who asked not to be named, broke down in tears after signing the book of condolence.
"I know some of the family and I'm just so sad that something like this has happened.
"I don't think anyone will have to be asked to sign this book, because everyone in Limerick feels the same."