Army provides guard of honour at funeral of stabbed former comrade

MEMBERS of the army’s 12th battalion from Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, yesterday provided a guard of honour at the funeral of retired corporal Stephen O’Grady who was stabbed to death at his home early on Thursday last.

The Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, who knew the late Mr O’Grady personally, sympathised with his widow, Regina, and their children at the removal on Saturday night to St Mary’s Church.

Hundreds of mourners attended the requiem Mass yesterday for 45-year-old Mr O’Grady.

St Mary’s parish priest,

Fr Donough O’Malley, said a deep debt of gratitude was owed to Mr O’Grady who had served in the army for more than 21 years, including with the UN in troubled parts of the world.

“Many times he went abroad with the defence forces on peacekeeping duties under the auspices of the United Nations. Our people are proud of and indebted to Stephen and his comrades for making our world and our society a safer and better place.”

Mr O’Grady received a fatal stab wound at around 2am on Thursday at his home in Lenihan Avenue, Prospect.

A man, aged 25, who was known to the deceased, later went voluntarily to Roxboro Road Garda Station.

After being questioned for more than 12 hours, he was freed without charge.

A Garda spokesman said a file was being prepared for the DPP. A knife was found at the scene of the stabbing and it is believed gardaí are not seeking to interview anybody else in connection with the death of Mr O’Grady.