Condolences expressed on Limerick murder

Hundreds of people have gone online to sign a book of condolences for Limerick rugby player Shane Geoghegan, who was shot dead on Sunday.

The Limerick Leadernewspaper opened the page yesterday in tribute to the Garryowen player, who was shot dead in the Kilteragh housing estate in Dooradoyle just after 1.30am on Sunday in a case of mistaken identity. Up to nine shots were fired at Mr Geoghegan, who was wounded three times in the upper body and once in the head.

The newspaper has invited visitors to light a virtual candle on the site, or leave a short message.

Messages have begun pouring in from both those who knew the 28-year-old and those who have been shocked by his death.

"I played with Shane for a year when I first moved up to Limerick. He made my transition to a city where I knew few people so much easier, being both welcoming and helpful. Thank you Shane. However what I remember most about Shane is his honesty, honesty on the pitch, and honesty off it. He was, simply, a straight-up genuinely nice guy, and will be sorely missed. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam," wrote Liam Breathnach.

"As a Limerick person whose own family suffered the pain, trauma and loss of an innocent loved one through murder in the city, I know only too well what Shane's family must endure.Whilst I no longer live in the city, be assured I will be with the Geoghegan family in spirit at St. Josephs church, the same church from where we buried our own brother. May God give you strength to cope with your bereavement," wrote one visitor, who identified herself only as "Barbara".

Other posters expressed their horror at the killing.

"There are no words to describe my horror and revulsion at this mindless and senseless act of violence, I can only offer my sincere sympathy to the Geoghegan family and hope they take comfort in the knowledge that Shane so obviously touched the lives of many people throughout his short life. May he rest in peace," wrote Dirk and Dolores Kiely, from the UK.

"We should never have to accept this, never have to wake up to news like this, never should a family have to bury their son because he looked like someone else. The same dispassion and lack of mercy should be shown to these cowards, they should be afraid and looking over their shoulders, not the reverse," said Killian McLoughlin.

Tributes to Mr Geoghegan have also sprung up on other sites, including Boards.ie and and the Munsterfans.com forums.

A book of condolence was opened by Limerick County Council yesterday at City Hall at 2pm. A spokeswoman for the council said that as of this morning, there were a couple of hundred signatures in the book and a steady stream of people had been attending throughout the morning.

"We've had a huge response," she said.

The book will remain open from 9am to 5pm for the rest of the week, with the possibility of extending it to next week, or as long as was necessary, the council said.