Hundreds brave conditions to attend New Ross funeral of alleged murder victim John O'Connor
The Wexford father-of-three, who was allegedly murdered on New Year's Eve, was described as "a beautiful human being inside and out"
The funeral was simple as several hundred mourners braved the heavy rain to pay their final farewell as the cortege of New Ross murder victim John O'Connor made its final journey from the funeral home to St. Stephen's Cemetery in the town.
The Wexford father-of-three, who was allegedly murdered at his home in Cluain Fada, New Ross, Co Wexford, on New Year's Eve, was described as "a beautiful human being inside and out" as his funeral took place this morning in his beloved New Ross.
The 58-year-old had reposed in Cooney's Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, when a steady flow of mourners arrived over several hours to pay their final respects.
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During the course of the afternoon, Mr O'Connor was also described as a "true gentleman" as people tried to come to terms with what was the second murder in the town within the space of several weeks.
The removal from the funeral home on Sunday morning saw a large crowd accompany the hearse on its short journey to St Stephen's Cemetery, while both sides of the road close to the cemetery were lined with mourners as they awaited the cortege.
Mr O'Connor's death devastated New Ross with a large number of tributes being paid to him since his death.
One friend wrote: "Rest in peace, king. What a beautiful human you are inside and out. Not a smarter dressed person you could see.
"Always a lovely shirt, jeans and shoes, and hair done even just going to the shop. You will be missed, love you forever. A true gentleman and family friend. Sending love and strength to your beautiful family at this tough time."
A notice on RIP.ie states: "Mr. O'Connor is predeceased by his loving mother, Nancy.
"Sadly missed by his loving children Chloe, Aaron and Kaylee, father Ned, brother Eddie, sisters Triona, Deirdre and Paula, grandchildren Freya-Rose, Paddy and Carson-Jax, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, extended family and a large circle of friends."
Mr. O'Connor was found unresponsive at his home and gardai subsequently launched a murder investigation following a post mortem.
Wayne Roche (34) with a previous address at Dominick's Place, Waterford, and most recently of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge John O'Leary at a Special Sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday night, January 2, charged with the murder of Mr. O'Connor in his home.
Roche in response to the charge when put to him by Det. Garda Conor Walsh replied "I didn't murder anyone".
The accused man was remanded in custody to appear before Wexford District Court via video link this Monday morning at 10.30a.m.
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