Funerals take place following Monaghan deaths
Funerals have taken place for two men killed in Co Monaghan last week, as gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances behind their deaths, including whether one was involved in the other’s death.
Detectives have launched an extensive murder investigation after the body of Christopher Mooney (60) was found at his rural home at Broomfield, near Castleblayney, on Thursday morning, December 1. The alarm was raised at 6.30am after a brother of Mr Mooney called to the property.
They are also investigating whether Mr Mooney’s death may be linked to that of man killed nearby in a fatal road collision on the N53.
Father-of-two Kieran Hamill (37) from Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, died after being struck by a car less than three kilometres away as he crossed the Ballynacarry Bridge between Castleblayney and Dundalk.
Separate funerals took place on Monday morning last, December 5.
The funeral of Mr Mooney took place at St Patrick’s Church at Broomfield.
Mr Mooney had been jailed for five-years for gross indecency against a male juvenile 19 years ago.
His home was previously targeted in an apparent vigilante attack almost eight years ago.
Presiding at the service for Mr Mooney, local priest Fr Michael Daly said that the community was in a state of “shock and sadness” at the “untimely and tragic death”.
“Today as a parish community and beyond we are numbed, we are shocked, we are saddened – and above all the family of Christopher – by the untimely and tragic death of Christopher,” he stated.
Mr Mooney was further described as a “family person”.
During the funeral for Mr Mooney, Fr Daly also said a prayer for Mr Hamill and his family.
He added: “And we think of all families who are suffering from trauma or loss of any kind.”
The funeral for Mr Hamill took place at St Patrick’s Church in Crossmaglen.
Gardaí have continued gathering forensic evidence at Mr Mooney’s home, and have extended their probe to a vehicle found in the driveway.
They continue to appeal for witnesses and for anyone who was in the Broomfield area between 5am and 6.45am on Thursday, December 1, to come forward.
They can contact Castleblayney garda station on 042-9740668 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.