Murder victim buried in his native Tuam

One of two men gunned down outside a garage in Dublin just over a week ago was laid to rest in his native Tuam, Co Galway, at…

One of two men gunned down outside a garage in Dublin just over a week ago was laid to rest in his native Tuam, Co Galway, at the weekend.

Hundreds turned out for the funeral Mass of Edward Ward (24) at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, on Saturday where prayers were said for those trying to bring his killers to justice.

Prayers were also offered at the Mass for Brian Downes (40), from Tallaght, who was shot dead alongside him on Friday night, October 5th.

Mr Ward, who dealt in cars, had called to Mr Downes' garage on Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, on the night. Shortly afterwards they were both shot down in a hail of bullets.

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Gardaí, who are seeking two men who escaped on a motorcycle, believe Mr Ward was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mr Downes was know to gardaí.

The chief celebrant at Mr Ward's funeral Mass, Fr John O'Gorman, spoke of Mr Ward's tragic and untimely death.

"Death came calling tragically and untimely and the coming and taking of Edward so quickly has left us stunned, shattered, empty and broken and all we can do is sit and wait, reflect and pray, pray for grace and pray for strength," he said.

He added that Mr Ward and his wife Jodie, the chief mourner, were always together planning their lives and dreaming dreams but "now those dreams are shattered, those dreams are broken".

But he said Edward had left memories for her and her two daughters Jessica and Katie, as well as his parents, brothers, sisters, other relatives and friends, that "not even evil itself can steal".

The ceremony, concelebrated by four priests, was interspersed with music which Edward loved and a CD of Big Tom was among the gifts brought to the altar during the offertery procession.

Other symbols of his life taken to the altar included a picture of him smiling broadly, a bunch of car keys signalling his love of cars and his mobile phone which Fr O'Gorman said he loved to use for business and to keep in touch with his family and friends.

After the Mass his coffin was taken by horse-drawn carriage to the local cemetery. A large crowd followed on foot and his extended family - he was one of 15 children - followed in two black Hummers.

Mr Ward had been living in Clondalkin, Dublin, up to the time of his death but had been planning to move back to a new house in Anbally, Corofin, a few miles from Tuam, later this year with his wife and children.

It is understood two babies which the couple had while living in Dublin but which did not survive will be exhumed later and laid to rest alongside their father in Tuam cemetery.

Meanwhile the family of Edward Ward have said they are putting up a "substantial" reward for anyone who can provide information which may bring his killers to justice.

Mr Downes was buried in Dublin last Friday.