Hundreds of mourners attending yesterday's funeral of Gavin Byrne, the second man shot dead in a gangland attack in Dublin last week, heard a priest reiterate calls for an end to the "senseless killing" of "so many" young people.
Speaking at the funeral Mass for Mr Byrne (30) at St Agnes' Church in Crumlin yesterday, Fr Alan Mowles said it was a "fitting tribute" Jason, brother of the deceased, was among the musicians at the ceremony.
Crumlin is known for its musical heritage, including members of bands such as Thin Lizzy and, more recently, solo performer Paddy Casey, Fr Mowles said.
Nevertheless, it was sad that the morning's celebration of music was "tarnished" because of the death of so many young people.
"It is not an individual that we condemn. We condemn the whole drug culture that's allowed to flourish so easily, and to produce so many tragedies," he said. "These young people I have known over the years . . . This community has celebrated youth in so many ways through sport and music.
"Like the parish priest from the church next door in Drimnagh [Fr Martin Cosgrove], I can only repeat his call that the violence should stop . . . that these young people should enjoy their lives . . . and put an end to the senseless killing."
Mr Byrne was shot dead in Firhouse 10 days ago, along with another man, Darren Geoghegan (26), when the car they were sitting in was ambushed.
Mr Byrne's parents, Frank and Pat, as well as his two brothers and one sister, were among the mourners at yesterday's ceremony, at which there was a visible Garda presence.
At least one Garda van was parked near the church, while uniformed gardaí maintained a presence outside. Mr Byrne's body was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery, in Harold's Cross.