Priest says violence is ‘creeping like a cancer' at funeral of murder victim Stephen Brannigan

Sunday World

a day ago

The body of Stephen Brannigan (56) was found in a house in Marian Park in the town last Sunday.
Stephen Brannigan (left) and Fr John Murray (right) were attacked in Downpatrick on Sunday
Mourners at the funeral of Stephen Brannigan in Downpatrick this afternoon.
An order of service at the funeral of Stephen Brannigan.
A grandfather killed in Co Down last weekend was laid to rest today wearing the colours of his beloved Liverpool Football Club.
As the funeral of Stephen Brannigan took place in Downpatrick, a priest hit out at what he described as the aggression and violence 'creeping like a cancer through the bones of our families, our towns and our society'.
The body of Mr Brannigan (56) was found in a house in Marian Park in the town last Sunday.
On the same day, Fr John Murray was attacked at the nearby St Patrick's Church. He was preparing to celebrate his last mass before retirement, and is recovering in hospital.
One man has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
The funeral of Stephen Brannigan.
News in 90 Seconds - August 16th
Mr Brannigan's funeral took place at St Brigid's Church this afternoon.
A floral tribute in the hearse read simply 'Daddy'. Some mourners wore Liverpool jerseys and carried photographs of the deceased.
Grieving relatives wept as they read Bible passages during the service.
Addressing mourners, Fr Timothy Bartlett said the events of last weekend had been 'shocking and very brutal'.
'The peace of an ordinary summer Sunday morning was cruelly shattered by acts of vicious and senseless violence,' he said.
'Totally unprovoked, this violence was directed against two people who had simply reached out to help someone they believed to be in distress.'
Mr Brannigan's family have described him as a "beloved" father and grandfather.
During his homily, Fr Bartlett touched on his life, recalling how the deceased would help his neighbours or tend to the grave of his late wife Dorenda, which he said summed up his 'kind, thoughtful' personality.
Mourners at the funeral of Stephen Brannigan in Downpatrick this afternoon.
He referred to Mr Brannigan's great interests in planes and Liverpool FC.
'As a life-long Man City fan, I am sure God will forgive him for having such poor judgment,' the priest smiled.
'But it does give me pleasure to make some of his fellow Liverpool fans a little bit jealous by telling you that, through the kindness of the local suppliers, Stephen is being laid to rest today wearing the new official Thirds top for Liverpool, something not yet on official release in this part of the world.
"So, if there is a kit clash in heaven today, Stephen will be unmistakable as a definite Liverpool FC man. I am sure he would be very pleased about that.'
The priest said that while Mr Brannigan was not perfect, 'the more recent years of his life were marked by a remarkable kindness, a gentle neighbourliness and a deep love for those who were close to him'.
He added: Stephen loved and Stephen was loved. And the greatest love of his life was his late wife, Dorenda. Through all the ups and downs, they journeyed together. They stayed close to each other through thick and thin.
'Their greatest pride and joy in life? Their daughters Ciara and Gemma, and through them, their beloved grandchildren Sophie, Lily, Conor, Clodagh, Holly and Ruairi.'
Mourners also heard how the 'cruel, shocking and brutally violent events' of last Sunday had left a community 'numb, dazed and broken-hearted'.
Fr Bartlett also addressed the wider issue of violence in society, saying it is a growing threat to our communities.
He continued: 'Over recent days, I was struck by the number of local people who said things on the news like, 'Violence, it is all you hear about nowadays'. Or 'Nothing is sacred any more. People have no respect.''
He added: 'Am I the only one who feels that there is a growing culture of aggression and violence creeping like a cancer through the bones of our families, our towns and our society, in which nothing and no-one is sacred any more?
'Am I the only one who yearns for a little more gentleness, a little more civility, a little more courtesy, a little more neighbourliness and community, and a little more compassion and care?
'It is time to ask ourselves the hard questions about why this is happening in our society, all too frequently.
'One thing is certain, to address these issues, our elected representatives cannot do it on their own. To build strong, cohesive local communities and a safe, healthy society involves all the sources of social capital in a society working together.'
During the service, prayers were said for Fr Murray, who is continuing to recover in hospital.
Fr Bartlett added: 'As we salute the army of heroes of hope in our community, those who have lifted us with their kindness and care in recent days, we pay particular tribute to Canon John Murray.
'Canon John has served this community with genuine love and devotion for 11 years.
'Our hearts are broken that such a gentle and prayerful man should have been subjected to such a brutal attack.'
Following the service, Mr Brannigan was buried in Struell Cemetery, Downpatrick.
Earlier this week, a man appeared in court charged with the murder of Mr Brannigan and the attempted murder of Fr Murray.
Hugh Malone (30), of no fixed address but from the Belfast area, was remanded in custody.