Traveller's remains released

The remains of a Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo-born Traveller, who was murdered in Slough, Berkshire last month, have been released by…

The remains of a Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo-born Traveller, who was murdered in Slough, Berkshire last month, have been released by British authorities and will be flown home to Knock Airport this evening for burial.

Large crowds are expected this evening and again tomorrow for the funeral of Martin Anthony McDonagh, a father of nine, who died in hospital from stab wounds inflicted by "a long-bladed weapon".

Mr McDonagh was a son of Thomas McDonagh, a local "King of the Travellers" in Ballyhaunis, who was brought to his last resting place in a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage when he died last year.

It is understood that the same carriage will be used to convey Martin McDonagh's remains from St Patrick's Church to the local cemetery tomorrow.

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One of Mr McDonagh's sons, Thomas (21) sustained stab wounds in the Slough incident, but has since made a recovery and is expected to attend tomorrow's funeral.

Two men have been charged in connection with Mr McDonagh's murder and will appear again at Reading Crown Court on December 11th.