A priest has questioned why people can no longer feel safe in their own homes following the death of Teddy Murnane after an incident at his house a week ago.
The funeral Mass of Teddy Murnane took place this morning in Tipperary town. The 80-year-old, from St Michael’s Avenue, died on Monday morning after suffering serious injuries in an incident in his garden on Friday at around 9.30pm.
A man has been charged over the incident.
The funeral Mass heard that Mr Murnane’s life ended “suddenly and tragically.”
Archdeacon Eugene Everard said: “We have a saying that home is where the heart is, or we might sometimes say that there’s no place like home, a place where we feel safe. We always feel somewhat protected from the outside world.”
However, he said: “Teddy’s death is a reminder that even inside our own gate, our safety is no longer guaranteed.”
“That is something that as a society and as a community we all need to reflect on a little bit more as well. Why is that happening more and more today?”
Mr Murnane worked as a bus driver for Kavanagh’s Coaches and was the driver for the Tipperary senior hurling team in the 1980s and 1990s.
The funeral Mass of Teddy Murnane took place this morning in Tipperary town. Picture: Brendan Gleeson
Archdeacon Everard said Teddy loved hurling and watched Tipperary’s All-Ireland victory at home this year, having attended the semi-final.
A photo of Mr Murnane in a Tipperary jersey was placed in front of his coffin, which was draped with the Tipperary flag. The county anthem, Slievenamon, played as his sons and relatives carried the coffin from the church.
Just minutes earlier, the congregation heard Archdeacon Everard urge them to “look out for one another, take care of one another, be kind and respectful of one another as well.”
Domenica, his daughter-in-law who lives in Canada, told the congregation she felt honoured to call him her father-in-law. She described him as a “special and loving husband, father and grandad.”
She said: “He was one of a kind who can never be replaced. He loved his family unconditionally. Our family is absolutely heartbroken but we will hold on to the wonderful memories that we were so fortunate to share with such a special person to help us through this huge loss.”
She recalled family barbecues “full of love, laughter, jokes, and good food.”
She added: “We will remember all our family trips to Tramore and Bunratty Castle and how much he enjoyed Dooleys fish and chips and a good old apple tart with tea. We will remember him pulling change out of his pocket for an ice cream and sweets for a special treat for his grandchildren.”
Breaking down in tears, she said: “We will remember going with him to his last All Ireland hurling semi final at Croke Park — enjoying a full Irish breakfast, some beers at the pub, but most importantly, him being able to see Tipperary win.”
The funeral Mass of Teddy Murnane took place this morning in Tipperary town. Picture: Brendan Gleeson
She described him as the “most generous, selfless, and genuine person with a radiant smile and a heart of gold.”
She added: “We will miss the banter and the hugs, we will miss his presence, we will miss the laughter, and we will miss him truly and deeply.”
Mr Murnane died at University Hospital Limerick after being rushed there on Friday night. He remained in critical condition over the weekend.
It is understood that Mr Murnane’s wife of 55 years, Margaret, was at home when the incident occurred. The couple have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
A family liaison officer is supporting the family while the investigation continues.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone in the St Michael’s Avenue area between 7pm and 10pm who has video footage, including dash-cam, to share it with investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tipperary Town Garda Station on 062 80670, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
