The priest at the funeral of a murdered 19-year-old Limerick father has appealed to anyone with information about his death and other violent killings in the city to "break their silence".
Fr Pat Hogan, parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Southill, was speaking yesterday at the funeral Mass of Jeffrey Hannan, who was murdered last Thursday in a violent attack that took place less than 100 yards from his family's home in O'Malley Park.
The father of one, who had no previous convictions and was not involved in any criminal or feud-related activities, died from serious head injuries.
During his homily, Fr Hogan said it was the fourth violent killing on the Southill side of Limerick in the past year, referring to the murders of Thomas Moran, Noel Crawford and Pat Coleman.
"Jeffrey was a good guy who loved his family and they loved him. It is also a real tragedy for this side of Limerick city. This is the fourth time that we have gathered in this church for such a funeral in the last 12 months," he added. Fr Hogan urged those with information about Jeffrey's murder, for which gardaí have uncovered no motive, to break their silence. "There are many people at this side of Limerick city and across the city who carry deadly secrets, secrets about those who have killed and those who have carried out such acts of violence that resulted in Jeffrey's death," he said.
"There is forgiveness for all, even those with such secrets, but not as long as you keep crucifying the innocent mourning mothers and families with your silence," he added.
Fr Hogan also appealed to those with information about the disappearance of Southill locals Richard "Happy" Kelly, who has been missing for over a year, and Matthew Carroll, missing since June 1998, to come forward.
"There are people who know what happened to them," he said.
A Manchester United flag lay draped over Mr Hannan's coffin for the funeral Mass, while floral tributes surrounded the altar with messages saying "Miss You Lots" and "Love Always".
The 19-year-old father, who was due to start an apprentice barman course yesterday, is survived by his young daughter Nikita, who recently celebrated her first birthday, girlfriend Gráinne, parents Alan and Geraldine, sister Emily (22) and younger brother Alan jnr (14).
Mourners at his funeral were yesterday reminded of a genuine, respectful son who was caring and loved his family.
Fr Hogan was critical of certain media who in the immediate aftermath of Jeffrey's death said the 19-year-old was "known to gardaí".
The parish priest said this terrible phrase was an attempt to "pitch Jeffrey and others into another world where such violent things happen".
"There is a great temptation to divide, cut off when such violent things happen, saying that only happens among such-and-such people or in particular communities.
"So we alienate and isolate individuals and communities and never hear their real stories or witness their tears," he said.
"Such violence cannot be confined to pockets of the city - it is a city problem and a national problem, and to turn our backs on it means that the innocent suffer most and in the end everyone suffers," he added.
Mr Hannan was laid to rest yesterday at Mount St Oliver cemetery.