A FAMILY who stood up to one of the country’s most notorious criminal gangs was honoured at a mayoral reception in Limerick last night.
Speaking at the reception for the family of murdered businessman Roy Collins, Mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely said he wanted to send a clear signal to criminal gangs that they “have no place in our city”.
Roy Collins was shot dead at his family’s business last April. His adopted brother, Ryan Lee, was shot and badly injured in another family-run business in 2004. Gardaí believe Mr Collins was murdered because members of his family gave evidence against Wayne Dundon, a leading member of the McCarthy-Dundon gang, who was convicted in connection with the 2004 incident.
Since his son’s murder, Steve Collins has campaigned for changes in legislation to deal with criminal gangs.
He also organised a massive peace rally, which brought some 5,000 people on to the streets of Limerick earlier this year.
“It’s only right as mayor of Limerick to host a mayoral reception for Steve Collins and his family to show support and solidarity from my office and from the ordinary decent people of this city to the Collins family,” said Mr Kiely.
“I just want to send out a clear signal to the criminals and the members of criminal gangs in the city that as mayor of Limerick, Limerick city wants nothing to do with them; they have no hand or act to play in this city,” he continued.
Mr Collins, who was accompanied to last night’s reception by his wife and family, said: “I want to thank all the people who have helped us through this awful time. We didn’t do this for awards but just to keep the memory of our son alive.”