TWO LIMERICK communities came together to lay 35-year-old Willie Lynch to rest today, as his brother Gerard appeared in court charged with his murder.
The victim, who grew up in the Ballybrown area before moving west to Pallaskenry as a teenager, was found at his home last Saturday with fatal injuries.
Family and friends gathered at St Joseph’s Church, Ballybrown, today wearing Liverpool jerseys, Bon Jovi t-shirts and Kildimo-Pallaskenry jumpers in tribute to the popular sportsman.
The gifts brought forward represented Willie’s passions in life and included a hurling and football team photo, a Bon Jovi DVD, a Liverpool jersey, a model tractor, and a pool cue.
Chief celebrant Fr Michael Cussen, opened the Mass by saying: “Wherever any of us were last Friday morning, there’s no way we could have imagined that we would be here today.”
Willie Lynch's funeral. (Picture: Limerick Leader)The victim was laid to rest as his family came to terms with the news that his 29-year-old brother Gerard Lynch, had been charged with his murder.
The court heard that the accused responded: “Sorry, I didn't mean it”.
Mr Lynch will now be remanded in custody until Tuesday, January 9, when he will appear at Limerick District Court via video link.
Solicitor for the accused, Michael O’Donnell, applied for the provision of any medical assistance while the man is in custody.
Paying tribute to his friend, fellow Pallaskenry man Brian Barry told the Limerick Leader of Willie’s sporting achievements and kind spirit.
“Willie was the type of character who created a lifetime of memories in such a short space of time,” he said.
A “man of simple pleasures”, the friend told of memories playing cards, soccer and the GAA, as well as Willie’s love for farming machinery. He would often, the church heard, be seen at the edge of a field, observing the silage contractors at work, often creating videos to upload to social media.
