Hundreds of people lined the streets of Tuam as the body of town native Edward Ward (24), who was shot in Dublin eight days ago, was taken by horse-drawn carriage to the local cathedral last evening.
A piper led the funeral cortege through the town and many young men dressed in black walked beside the carriage as it was drawn by four horses from the funeral home to the church.
Gardaí believe Mr Ward was an innocent victim of the attack in Walkinstown in which both he and Brian Downes (40) were shot dead. They believe Mr Downes was the target and Mr Ward was shot because he happened to be at the scene.
Family members followed the hearse in two black limousines with blacked-out windows. A model of a four-wheel drive and another of a horse, both made with flowers, were placed on top of the hearse beside the tribute "Edward You Were a True Blue".
One of Mr Ward's relatives said the inspiration for this was a saying of Edward's father, Martin. "If you were a good person Martin would say you were a true blue," said the relative.
Edward was one of a family of 15 children of Martin "Ginger" Ward and Nora, who lived in Tuam before moving to nearby Athenry a few years ago.
Edward, who lived with his wife Jodie and two young children in Clondalkin, Dublin, planned to move to a new house in Anbally, near Tuam, in the coming months.
Although extra gardaí were on duty in Tuam for last night's funeral, Sgt Martin Connors said this was usual when there was a large funeral in the town.
Several local politicians were among the attendance, including mayor of Tuam Cllr Martin Ward, who is a well-known Travellers' rights activist and a cousin of the dead man.
On arrival at Tuam Cathedral the remains were received by Fr Stephen Farragher, administrator, who said Edward's death at such a young age was a tragic loss. "The tears of his wife Jodie and the tears of the family have touched the hearts of the nation," said Fr Farragher.
Mr Ward will be buried in Tuam Cemetery after 11 o'clock Mass today.