Rugby captain's murder 'may be turning point'

The killing of rugby captain Shane Geoghegan could be a turning point in the bloody feud among Limerick’s rival drug gangs, a priest told mourners today.

As thousands lined the city streets to pay respects to the Garryowen player, mistaken for a gangster and shot dead, Father Jim Maher said the killing may signal a break in the cycle of violence.

“One of our hopes here today is that some good will come out of this tragedy, and that this kind of shocking violence which has frequently marred the good name of our city will become a thing of the past,” Fr Maher said.

The killing of the 28-year-old, described by a former teacher as a gentle giant, was the 15th gun murder this year and the 13th death linked to Limerick’s sinister gang feuds.

Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray led tributes to Mr Geoghegan and urged those with information on his murder to come forward.

Mr Geoghegan’s mother thanked people for their thoughts ahead of the funeral with the message: “We deeply appreciate your thoughts and your support is a great consolation to us all.”

Thousands of mourners who filed into St Joseph’s Church in O’Connell Street were told Mr Geoghegan’s murder had raised questions about what direction the country was headed.

They were led by Mr Geoghegan’s parents, Tom and Mary, brother Anthony and girlfriend Jenna.

The packed church heard a homily – tinged with sorrow, anger and humour - praise Mr Geoghegan and later his Garryowen club claimed him as the 16th man lining out for the rest of the season.

The rugby community banded together with Irish internationals Gerry Flannery and David Wallace joined by former Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan and the head of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Mr Geoghegan’s coffin arrived draped in the sky blue flag of his beloved Garryowen as teammates formed a guard of honour. The white five-pointed star a symbol of the club’s place in Limerick society marking the city parishes St Mary’s, St John’s, St Munchin’s, St Michael’s and St Patrick’s.

Workmates from Air Atlantic shouldered the coffin into the church.

Fr Maher, who taught Mr Geoghegan at Crescent College Comprehensive, said locals were at first stunned by the gun attack – assuming the victim was a criminal.

But later, he said, when locals realised it was Mr Geoghegan had been murdered, the shock turned to anger and outrage.

The murder has prompted the country’s most senior politicians to express their disgust and Taoiseach Brian Cowen warned every effort will be made to bring the killers to justice.

Similar sentiments were expressed following the murders of journalist Veronica Guerin, Limerick bouncer Brian Fitzgerald, young mother Donna Cleary, plumber Anthony Campbell, teenager Darren Coughlan, young father Lee Kinsella, car dealer Sean Poland and garage worker Eddie Ward.

Many of the congregation were moved to tears by Fr Maher’s homily but outside the chapel, where hundreds lined up to pay their respect after the Mass, grieving relatives were greeted by applause from mourners as the made their way to St Mungret’s Cemetery.

The Garryowen club paid an emotional and moving tribute to Mr Geoghegan, captain of the thirds team, describing him as a perfect role model.

The club said he epitomised its ideals of competitiveness, honesty of effort and respect.

“We can think of no better role model for the hundreds of children and young men that wear our jersey with such pride, every weekend,” the club said.

Garryowen will retire the No.3 jerseys at the club for the rest of the season.

The Taoiseach was represented by his aide-de-camp Commandant Michael Treacy while Defence Minister and Limerick TD Willie O’Dea attended along with Labour’s Jan O’Sullivan.

As the funeral ended silent protests were planned for University of Limerick while the Irish Rugby Football Union will remember Mr Geoghegan on Saturday with a minute’s silence.

In a statement Bishop Murray said: “The death of Shane has shocked all of Limerick and beyond.

“This senseless killing of an innocent man with his whole life before him is further evidence of the futility of this evil feud, and the callous inhumanity with which it is pursued.

“Shane was a good man. His grieving family will be in the prayers of all of us.”