THE DEATH of Rebecca Hoban, who was murdered in Dublin last week, had brought her community together in "in grief and shock", the congregation at her removal service was told last night.
Ms Hoban (28) was stabbed at a house in Ranelagh last Wednesday evening and brought to St Vincent's hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time after.
Her mother Jacqueline, her father Martin and her grandfather Robert led mourners at her removal last night, at the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street, just around the corner from Mercer Street where she had lived.
As her pale oak coffin was brought into the church, Because You Loved Meby Céline Dion was played. A single red rose, a single white rose and a single white lily were placed on it, along with a soft toy.
Fr Bernard Murphy said her death had led to a shock that had "rocked the neighbourhood".
"The grief we have felt has been deepened by the sad way and the awful was in which Rebecca was taken from life.
"It was a shock that brought many people closer together . . . It has brought us to look at the roots of our faith.
"We pray not just for ourselves but for all who have been touched by this terrible death."
He thanked all who had supported Rebecca's parents, grandfather and brothers and sisters.
None of the family spoke at the brief service and about 60 people attended. Fr Murphy shook hands with members of the family after the service.
He invited all to attend her funeral service which gets under way at 10am today.
