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.

No reference to Holland’s notorious criminal background was made during the homily, despite the widely-held belief by gardaí that he was the man who carried out the assassination of crime reporter, Veronica Guerin in 1996.

However, the priest said he prayed that Holland would find “peace, pardon and reconciliation”.

Fr Moore also recalled how Holland had a keen love of sport, especially football and swimming.

Fr Moore also remembered Holland’s late wife, Angela in the congregation’s prayers.

Holland, 70, was found dead in his cell in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight on June 19. The career criminal was sentenced by the British courts in 2008 to eight years in prison for his role in a plot to kidnap a rich businessman for a £10m ransom. It is believed Holland, who suffered from a heart condition, died of natural causes.

Holland’s coffin had been flown to Dublin from London last Sunday after his body was released by the British prison authorities. The youngest of six children, he is survived by a sister, several nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Holland’s nephew James read a prayer of the faithful in which he prayed that his uncle would be “at peace with God in heaven,” while his niece, Louise conducted the readings.

Mourners also listened to some of Holland’s favourite pieces of music including My Forever Friend and He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.

Among those in attendance were several gangland figures from the Finglas area including brothers, Wayne and Alan “Fatpuss” Bradley and Eamonn Dunne.

Holland was buried in Fingal Cemetery in Balgriffin, Co Dublin.