AROUND 70 people braved the bad weather and turned out last night in St Anne’s Church, Cranmore, Sligo, for the removal service of Melissa Mahon, the 14-year-old schoolgirl victim of convicted killer, Ronnie Dunbar, also known as Ronald McManus.
There was a significant Garda presence both outside and inside the church.
The cortege arrived at 7.30pm, with close family members carrying the small white coffin. They had walked the short distance, in the rain, from the house in McNeill Drive where Melissa’s remains had reposed since Monday. The hearse carried two large white floral arrangements, one spelling Melissa, the other daughter.
Fr Dominick Gilhooley, officiating at the service, said the family could gain some comfort from this moment having endured enormous suffering for the past three years.
He welcomed the family, parents Freddie, Mary and siblings and thanked friends and relations for their support through the entire ordeal.
He invited all present to celebrate the short life of Melissa, whom he said “was only a child at the time of her sudden departure”.
The young teenager died violently almost three years ago and her skeletal remains were only discovered following information gardaí received from the daughter of the killer.
The long-awaited funeral could only be arranged when the trial had finished.
It was thought that in the event of an appeal by Dunbar, the funeral would have to be deferred. However, authorities released the remains on Monday and they were brought to the house in Cranmore where they reposed until yesterday evening’s service.
The burial will take place this morning in Sligo Cemetery following 11am Mass in St Anne’s church.