THE Bishop of Limerick has called for an end to the senseless violence that led to the murder of innocent businessman Roy Collins and "diminishes the humanity" of those responsible for the callous killing.Almost 1,000 people filled St John's Cathedral in Limerick city for the funeral Mass of the 35-year-old who was shot dead last Thursday afternoon while working at his business premises, the Coin Castle Arcade, in Roxboro Shopping Centre.
Gardai believe the father-of-two, who was due to be married this summer, was targeted because members of his family gave evidence against a leading member of the notorious McCarthy Dundon criminal gang in a trial four years ago.
Speaking at yesterday's funeral Mass, Bishop of Limerick Dr Donal Murray described the murder as "vile and futile" and appealed for an end to the "utter madness".
"The death of a young man is a huge blow. When it is the result of senseless violence it seems even more meaningless and it strikes at all of us," he said.
"We see the darkness and the pain that is inflicted by such acts. Not only do they destroy the life of the victim but they diminish the humanity of those who carry out such acts," he added.
Bishop Murray said those responsible for acts of violence were setting a "horrible example to the children who would see such acts as anything other than the vile and futile things they are".
Madness
"At this Mass we all appeal and pray that this madness, this utter madness, will stop," he said.
In a statement issued yesterday, The Church of Ireland Bishop for Limerick and Killaloe, who also attended the funeral Mass, said the local community would not tolerate the "callous desecration of human life".
"The manner of Roy Collins's tragic murder may lead some to despair -- that there can be no stopping the evil deeds of those who seem to hold our community in the grip of terror," said The Right Reverend Trevor Williams.
"But the overwhelming response of the community tells another story. We are saying we will not put up with the callous desecration of human life."
The chief celebrant at yesterday's Mass was Fr Sean Harmon, a friend of Roy Collins's family.
The curate at St John's Cathedral Cathedral also made a strong appeal for an end to the violence.
"Today I appeal on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Limerick that you men of violence will look deep into your hearts and see the great evil you are committing, and the untold heartache and pain you are bringing to the families of the victims, and indeed to all of us, the people of Limerick," Fr Harmon said.
The local priest said violence has no place in any city or town in Ireland.
"Spare a thought too, for the fact that by your evil deeds you have besmirched the precious name of our ancient and beautiful city of Limerick," he added.
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(Source: II)