Violence can never be the answer funeral told

The chief celebrant at the funeral of Barney McGinley today has urged those involved in violence to turn away from it.

Fr Turlough Baxter told mourners in St Mary’s Church in Athlone that on a day that was to be a joyful family occasion, others chose to end the goodness of Barney’s life and leave a family in such grief and loss.

“It takes such a short time to open wounds in others that can take a life time to heal. Violence can never be the answer, because all that it does is foster more hurt and violence and delays the day of justice,” he said.

Originally from Longford but living in Athlone for some years, Mr McGinley was shot at the wedding in Newtownbutler in Fermanagh last Wednesday. The 63-year-old was flown to hospital by police helicopter but died a short time later. A second man was injured in the shooting, however, his injuries were not thought to be serious.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral earlier today amid a heavy garda presence around the town. Mr Mc Ginley is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bridget, and their nine children.
Following the requiem Mass, burial took place in Coosan cemetery.