Mourners remember life of actor killed in Chicago street attack

BARRY CUNNANE was not a good man, he was the best, mourners at the funeral of the murdered 27-year-old actor heard yesterday.

Family and friends spoke of his humour, drive and magnetism at the funeral service in the packed church where a small Dublin suburban community gathered to pay their last respects.

Mr Cunnane died after being shot dead in an apparently motiveless street attack in Chicago over a week ago. He was buried yesterday in Glencullen Cemetery, close to his home village of Sandyford in south Dublin.

Hundreds of people, including his parents Monica and Frank, sister Kathryn, brother Frank Jnr and girlfriend Christine Pasquel, attended yesterday morning's service in St Mary's.

Fr Paul Dunne, who delivered the homily, said: "Because of his quirky humour, his sense of fun, his real self-giving, his love for theatre, for drama, he was a magnet to many people. Only kind words and fond memories have been expressed about Barry since he died last week.

Of his senseless death at the hands of the gunman on the streets of his adopted home, Fr Dunne said: "No one was ever created by God for such a destiny to die in such a terrible and brutal way. The suddenness and finality of death is always a disturbing and disorientating experience.

"The death of Barry leaves his vacant space in so many people's lives here and in Chicago where he loved." It was left to a friend to add: "He was not a good man, he was the best."

As mourners gathered in Dublin, the investigation into his death continues. No one has yet been arrested in connection with the shooting, early on Saturday a week ago, but Chicago police have vowed to track down the killer.

Mr Cunnane had lived in Chicago for nearly six years and made his home in the quiet Ravenswood area. He worked in a medical services office by day, but continued working in theatre.

He was walking with a friend to a pub for a nightcap when two men approached.

His friend said one of the men turned to Barry, said something like "what's up" before shooting him once in the head.

Chicago police said a motive will not be known until they have questioned the killer.

There is speculation Mr Cunnane was the victim of a gang initiation ritual.