Hundreds of neighbours, friends and the wider community packed St. Mary's Church in Ballysaggart for the funeral mass of Paddy Lyons.
Parish Priest Fr. Cullinane spoke of the deep trauma and hurt suffered by the whole community.
He said that "a murder could take place so near us shattered something so real in our community."
He said it was a strange funeral in that the whole of Ballysaggart were chief mourners.
Fr. Cullinane added, "we'll have to dig deep into our own humanity to support one another because we cannot talk about normality again."
Symbols of Paddy's life were brought to the alter, a music tape, turf, rosary beads and his trustee sack which he always had over his shoulder travelling to and from town doing his messages.
At the end of the mass a representative spoke on behalf of Paddy's relatives.
She spoke about Paddy's life and how he was a unique intelligent man; honest, kind and humble.
She said his untimely death cast a shadow but the outpouring of shock, grief and support was a testament to a wonderful man.
She thanked those who cared for him and the work of Gardaí - she prayed that justice will prevail.
She said that Paddy will live in their hearts forever.
