A Limerick priest has called for a mandatory sentence for anyone carrying a knife or weapon.
Speaking at the funeral Mass yesterday in the Holy Family Church, O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, of Mr Michael Fitzpatrick, who was stabbed to death outside a pub last Friday night, Father Joe Young CC said: "This was an act of total brutality. He was a smiling, caring and hardworking young lad and was loved above and beyond the call of duty in the community.
"There is not one member of our community that could say one ill-word or had ill-feeling towards this child. Enough is enough. If you are carrying a knife, you are carrying it with intent to commit violence.
"The real victims are his family and the community and I am calling for new legislation on their behalf. "Our elderly and young have had enough violence inflicted on them. It is time for this new legislation and mandatory sentencing."
The funeral of the Mr Fitzpatrick (19), from Yeats Avenue, Kincora Park, took place to Mount St Oliver Cemetery. Earlier, during the Mass, a football and a Manchester United jersey were among the offertory gifts.
Mr Fitzpatrick is survived by his father Con, mother Mary, brother David and sisters Laura and Rachel.
Gardai at Roxboro are continuing the search for the killer, who fled from the scene after the stabbing. Supt Willie Keane, who is heading the investigation, said that gardai were following a certain line of inquiry.