Mayo murder victim Michael McDonagh is laid to rest

The priest at the Funeral Mass of 24-year-old murder victim Michael McDonagh in Knock this afternoon told mourners that while life is often unbearably difficult violence is not the answer.

“While life is tough we should never be drawn to violence," Fr. Richard Gibbons, the sole celebrant of Requiem Mass, said in a homily at the Church of St. John the Baptist (Apparition Chapel).

“Our understanding of life comes from Jesus, the son of God, and the fact that he wants us to live the fullest life that we can, joyfully, hopefully and not despairing.

“Sometimes life can get us down. It can send us on different paths and wrong paths but there’s always hope," he added.

The Funeral Mass was attended by a small group of mourners, including the deceased's foster parents, Winnie and Bernie, in keeping with Covid restrictions.

A significant group of mourners gathered outside the church and followed the hearse as its made its way – via Carrowmore Drive, Knock - to the local cemetery where the last prayers were recited by Fr. Gibbons.

The cortége was led by a lone piper, Sheila Duggan from Balla.

Michael McDonagh grew up in Knock and, in his childhood years, was an altar boy in Knock Parish

Subsequent to Michael’s untimely death, a 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with his murder.

The suspect is in Castlerea Prison having been remanded in custody.