‘There is no place to hide your deadly secret’
But Fr Pat Hogan appealed to people angered by the brutal murder of Noel Crawford in Southill in Limerick not to allow themselves to be contaminated by the hatred of his killer.
Noel Crawford was shot dead on Monday as he celebrated his 40th birthday.
Gardaí said he had no criminal record and believe the intended target was his brother Paul, who has gang links.
Addressing the congregation at Noel Crawford’s funeral Mass in the Holy Family church, Fr Hogan, who is parish priest of Southill, said Noel was a man who would not ‘hurt a fly.’
Fr Hogan said: “His death can give rise to much anger and even thoughts of revenge. Such thoughts of deep anger are very understandable, but we also need great patience in the face of such great pain and tragedy.”
Fr Hogan directing his words at the killer continued: “You may laugh, joke or wish each other a Happy Christmas. But there is no place where you can hide from your deadly secret, except by confessing your terrible sin.”
He said a great injustice had been done to Noel and to all his family but the pain and anger must be borne with patience.
“Patience is not always easily found, but to choose it means honouring Noel’s memory, his goodness and his innocence. It also means honouring ourselves, because we refuse to allow ourselves to be contaminated by the shame and guilt of those who killed him,” said Fr Hogan.
Those involved in the killing, he said had separated themselves from dignity.
He added: “They wish each other Happy Christmas with a man’s life on their hands. They will jeer and goad you into following, but the goodness, innocence and non-violence of Noel Crawford calls to be honoured and remembered with great and difficult patience.
A horse-drawn hearse brought the remains to Mount St Oliver cemetery for burial.
Armed detectives and uniformed patrols moved around Southill during the requiem Mass.
