No reference to crime as ‘Dutchy’ laid to rest

THE funeral Mass of gangland criminal, Patrick “Dutchy” Holland heard yesterday how the Dubliner had rediscovered a love of religion in the last years of his life.

The small church in the Dublin suburb of Coolock, near where Holland last lived following his release from Portlaoise Prison in 2006, was largely empty for the requiem Mass for the convicted robber and drug-dealer.

Around 50 mourners were present to hear Fr Kevin Moore, parish priest of St Joseph’s Church, Bonnybrook, speak kindly of “Gene” – the middle name by which Holland was best known to his family and relatives.