Thousands of people lined the streets of Limerick this morning to pay tribute to murdered rugby player Shane Geoghegan, whose funeral took place today.
The popular 28-year-old was shot and killed on Sunday in a case of mistaken identity, prompting revulsion at the rising level of gangland crime in the city.
Hundreds of people attended the requiem Mass at St Joseph's Church in O'Connell Street with mourners led by Mr Geoghegan's parents, Tom and Mary, brother Anthony and girlfriend Jen.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen was represented by his aide de camp Commandant Michael Treacy.
The Government was represented by Minister for Defence and Limerick TD Willie O'Dea, while a regional assistant commissioner represented gardaí. Members of Limerick City Council also attended.
Mr Geoghegan's rugby team mates from Garryowen formed a guard of honour for the funeral Mass. The club was also hosting a private function in its clubhouse following the mass and burial for Mr Geoghegan's family and friends.
Speaking at the requiem Mass, chief celebrant Fr Jim Maher said the shooting dead of Mr Geoghegan had "caused outrage and anger" in Limerick.
"This tragedy, an affront to the sacredness of life and to the community is another sad reflection on the more sinister aspects of our city where this sort of violent crime leaves so much pain and sorrow, suffering and heartbreak in its wake," said Fr Maher.
Mr Geoghegan was buried in the Old Mungret Cemetery, in the suburbs of the city this afternoon.
The Bishop of Limerick earlier called on the community to honour Mr Geoghegan's memory and act in solidarity by reporting any relevant information on the murder to the gardaí.
"All human life is precious and murder is never acceptable. As a community we all have a responsibility to protect life. The death of Shane has shocked all of Limerick and beyond," said Bishop Donal Murray.
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," he added.
Yesterday, Mr Cowen vowed no stone would be left unturned in the hunt for the killers.
Following talks with the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern, Garda commissioner Fachtna Murphy also pledged all Garda resources would be brought to bear to catch the murderers.
Gardaí believe Mr Geoghegan was targeted by criminals who intended to kill one of their drug dealing rivals in the quiet Dooradoyle area of the city.
The captain was shot dead after leaving a friend's house where he spent the evening watching Ireland's match against Canada on television, live from nearby Thomond Park.
A book of condolence, opened at Limerick City Hall, has received hundreds of messages of support from a community shocked by Mr Geoghegan's brutal killing.
The Limerick Leadernewspaper has also set up a special webpage with messages posted from people throughout Ireland and abroad.
A minute's silence will be held prior to the international rugby game between Ireland and New Zealand at Croke Park on Saturday as a mark of respect, the IRFU has said.
Limerick soccer team Limerick 37 will also hold a minute's silence at a game in Dublin on Saturday, with players set to wear black arm bands.