Murdered Offaly publican laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners turned out for tragic Matt Farrell"s funeral in Daingean on Wednesday, one week after the man was found murdered in his own home. His five children, David, Matthew, Lorraine, Michelle and Natalie and his second wife Mary, who lives in Tullamore, were chief mourners at the funeral, which took place at 11am in Mary Mother of God Church. Mr Farrell was laid to rest afterwards in Daingean Cemetery. The Taoiseach was represented at Mr Farrell"s funeral by his aide de camp Michael Tracey. The 64 year died between the hours of 2.30am and 7am Wednesday morning April 1. A post mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Local gardaí are continuing the murder hunt this weekend. His son Matthew discovered his father on the floor beside the couch, with his hands tied behind his back and with head injuries, when he woke up that morning and subsequently raised the alarm. It"s believed that the murder occurred as part of a botched robbery. A team of up to 100 gardaí have been working on the case since. Speaking in Athlone on Wednesday, Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy told the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Conference that he was happy with the investigation into the death of Mr Farrell. Meanwhile, the Vintners" Federation of Ireland has expressed concern at recent attacks on publicans and is urging its members, especially those in rural areas, to remain vigilant. 'Recent tragic events in Offaly have shocked and horrified the pub trade, and indeed the entire country, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Matt Farrell,' said Val Hanley, President of the VFI. 'There have also been a number of other less publicised serious incidents involving publicans around the country. While incidents like these are rare, it does highlight the need for publicans to remain on their guard. We are urging all our members to ensure they take the necessary measures to safeguard themselves, their premises and their staff.'