Body of Aran islander to be flown home for burial

THE FUNERAL of the Aran islander who was shot dead in Boston, earlier this week is due to take place on Inis Meáin at the weekend.

A Mass for Ciarán Ó Conghaile (36) will be held in Boston today before his body is flown across the Atlantic for burial.

Boston police investigating the shooting believe it may be linked to the robbery of a woman at gunpoint a short distance away from where Mr Ó Conghaile was killed early on Monday morning in the Boston suburb of Dorchester, close to his home.

He had been living in the US for the past 12 years as one of the undocumented Irish, working in construction. His brother Micheál was drowned 11 years ago when he was swept off the old pier at Inis Meáin.

Mr Ó Conghaile is survived by his father Micheál and mother Anna, brother Pól and sisters Mary Ann and Deirdre.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been providing consular assistance to Deirdre, who lives in the US.