Hundreds attend candlelit vigil for Shane Geoghegan
The Catholic and Church of Ireland Bishops of Limerick, along with a representative of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, led prayers at St Joseph’s Church for Garryowen thirds captain, Shane, 28, who was murdered on November 9 in a case of mistaken identity.
His parents, Tom and Mary, brother Anthony, and fiance Jenna Barry, were joined by Shane’s player colleagues from Garryowen, club president John Noonan and officers of the club.
In a poignant moment during the ceremony, Mayor John Gilligan and Limerick County Council chairman John Gallahue handed over books of condolences to the Geoghegan family.
These had been signed by thousands of people at city hall and county hall in the days after the murder.
Gardaí from Roxboro Road station, who are heading the investigation, were also represented.
The Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray, and Church of Ireland Bishop, the Most Rev Trevor Williams, said prayers and readings during the ceremony.
Prayers were also said by Rev Tom Kingston who represented the Methodist and Presbyterian communities in Limerick.
During the ceremony all those who have died through violence in Limerick were remembered.
Prayers were read out for the murdered nightclub manager Brian Fitzgerald and also for Detective Garda Jerry McCabe.
St Joseph’s Parish choir, under music director Una Feehan and guest organist Michael O’Brien, took part along with choirs from a number of neighbouring parishes including St Joseph’s folk group.
Fr Tom Mangan, CC, St Joseph’s said: “This ceremony of words, music and symbols is in honour of Shane and all those who have died through criminal violence in the city. This ceremony is a pastoral response and people are consoled it is taking place.”
Parishioner Joe O’Connor, who organised the ceremony, said Limerick wanted to show its thoughts and prayers are with Shane and his family.
Meanwhile, up to 15 searches were carried out in Southill and Kennedy Park on Tuesday. One man was arrested after a quantity of drugs were found.
As gardaí were returning to Garda stations they came across three burglars with goods they had just stolen and arrested them.
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