Private funeral for young man killed after being deliberately run down
Kevin Kelly, 20, was killed instantly after he was struck by the vehicle on Balbutcher Lane in Ballymun, North Dublin in the early hours of last Saturday morning, June 28.
It is understood there is an ongoing feud in the area between two gangs which are made up of mostly young men in their early twenties.
Gardaí and emergency services arrived on Balbutcher Lane around 5am and Mr Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was well known in the area and is believed to have been aligned with one group which was feuding with another gang.
In his death notice, published on RIP.ie, his heartbroken family said 'A private funeral will be held to celebrate Kevin's life.'
'Kevin (Kez), from Ballymun, passed away suddenly on June 28,' the death notice stated.
'Kevin (Kez) will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken family, loving mam Laura, sisters and brothers Lee, Chantel, Brian and Denise, Grandmother Denise, brother-in-law Daniel, sister-in-law Casey, nephews Troy, Daniel and godson Sonny, aunts, uncles, extended family, neighbours, friends and cuzzys.'
On Sunday, Kevin's heartbroken family and friends paid tribute to him at a balloon release at Hollytree Square in Ballymun.
During the balloon release, several young men were seen performing wheelies on motorbikes along the street while locals gathered with balloons and fireworks were let off.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been set up by pals to help Kevin's grieving family with funeral costs.
The GoFundMe page, entitled 'Kevin Kelly' with the wording: 'we are fundraising for our friend Kevin Kelly. Anything yous can donate is much appreciated.' So far 75 donors donated a total of €1,935.
Earlier, local Fianna Fail Councillor Keith Connolly described the incident as a tragedy and added that the deceased man's home had been attacked during the week.
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
He said: 'As far as I know this wasn't an accident…his house was targeted during the week.
'There is complete shock in the area and anyone who has any information should contact An Garda Siochana.
'My sincere condolences to his family and friends, this was a terrible thing to happen.'
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