Over 1,000 people attended the removal of the body of murdered nun, Sister Philomena Lyons in Ballybay, Co Monaghan last night.
The 68-year-old nun was murdered and sexually assaulted in the grounds of the convent where she lived for over 40 years.
Dozens of bouquets of flowers were placed at the gates of St Joseph's Sacred Heart Nursing Home where the nun's body was found on Saturday afternoon.
Msgr Gerald McSorley, who read the liturgy in St Patrick's chapel, said Ballybay was deeply shocked by this tragedy and the town will have to come to terms with Sister Philomena's death.
Father Stephen Joyce led the funeral cortege headed by a Garda patrol car through a silent town where all businesses had closed. Many local groups carried Sister Philomena's coffin, including the local fire brigade.
Supt Tom Long has appealed again for anyone in the Ballybay area who may have picked up a hitchhiker between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. last Saturday to come forward. Garda∅ are anxious to trace a bread van seen in the area.
Sister Philomena's funeral takes place today at 12 noon. The President, Mrs McAleese, may attend.