The funeral took place today of Kerry man John O’Sullivan, who was shot dead near his farm in a rural part of northern California earlier this month.
The eldest of eight children of a well-established south Kerry island family, Mr O’Sullivan (47)had emigrated to the US in the 1980s to seek work.
His body was brought home to Valentia Island where he was waked last night.
At overflowing requiem mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Knightstown, Valentia, celebrant and local parish priest Fr John Shanahan said Mr O’Sullivan had died tragically.
The priest described guns and knives as “the instruments of death and destruction” for so many people.
“John died in the month of August. For us August is the month when our day starts to shorten, we don’t like to see it come. It’s as true for the family today. Today is the darkest day in this month of August in this year for them but a brighter day and a better day will come, ” the priest said.
Mr O’Sullivan was buried in Kilmore Cemetery on the island. He is survived by five children, including two step children and an adopted son and his wife Krista.
Mr O’Sullivan emigrated to the US in the 1980s, first working in New York before buying a farm and vineyard in Amador County in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 70km from Sacramento. He was also involved in property.
His neighbour Kenneth John Zimmerman (56) has been arrested on suspicion of his murder. It is understood the two men were involved in a long standing dispute.