Family of stab victim James Berney say he was ‘taken too soon' ahead of private funeral

Sunday World

28-06-2025

People have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake'
A private funeral will be held for stabbing victim James 'Jake' Berney, it has been announced.
According to his notice on RIP.ie, the 53-year-old who died in Tallaght Hospital last week after being attacked in his home over a personal dispute, was 'taken too soon'.
It states that Jake will be forever 'sadly missed' by his loving father Andrew, his daughter Lorita, his son Aaron 'and all of his immediate family'.
'Taken too soon but forever loved by all of his brothers and their wives, aunts and nieces, extended family and friends,' the notice reads.
In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake.'
Stab victim James 'Jake' Berney
News in 90 Seconds - June 28th
Another adds that 'it was with deep shock and profound sorrow that I heard the terrible news of Jamesy's passing'.
'Fifty-three is far too young, and to be taken in such a cruel manner is truly difficult to comprehend. Love and sympathies to Andy, Willie and all of his family and friends,'
Another writes that 'Jamesy' was more than an acquaintance, 'he was a fixture of our childhood on Foxdene Drive'.
'I'll never forget him babysitting, letting us stay up late for MacGyver, then attempting to lull us asleep before the folks got back with his dramatic rendition of 'Lady in Red'.
'It's a very sad day for Clondalkin,' another adds, 'he was a gentleman. I will always remember your kindness, smile, laugh and chats. May you RIP. Thinking of all your family, gone too soon.'
Another mourner said: 'I only knew you from passing by, you were such a friendly person and never bothered anyone.'
Another added: 'Couldn't believe what I was hearing, you didn't deserve that Jake. (I) knew you 20 years and not a bad bone in your body.'
Berney, who lived at the home on Foxdene Drive in Balgaddy with his elderly father, was stabbed multiple times during a fatal attack following a personal dispute on Wednesday night.
A male teen has emerged as the chief suspect in the attack and while he has not yet been arrested by gardai, it's understood that he was known to Mr Berney, although they were not related.
One source told the Irish Independent: "He is well known around the area and his name spread around in the hours after this happened. He hasn't been seen since the stabbing on Wednesday night but he is the chief suspect."
Meanwhile, Jake's daughter, Lorita, and pal Rebecca, have set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the victim and his family
'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s,' the page reads.
'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest.
'Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support,' the page continues.
'If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.'
James, who is known as Jake, was killed after the suspect forced his way into his home on Wednesday night.
He was stabbed several times in the back and chest.
The Sunday World understands that a number of other people were in the property at the time and witnessed the attack. The suspect fled and emergency services were alerted.
Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene and the victim was transferred to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Sources described Mr Berney as a 'harmless man' who was well known in the area.
'He was a decent, harmless man who helped out around the area,' a source said.
Gardaí were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination yesterday, but they are expected to upgrade the inquiry to a murder investigation. No arrests have been made, but investigators are following a definite line of inquiry.
Gardaí sealed off the house and a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau began early yesterday morning.
Neighbours said Mr Berney worked as a painter and decorator, and would often carry out decorating jobs for people in the area, some of whom described him as a 'perfectionist' when it came to his work.
'It's very sad. He was a local handyman, really. Everyone knew him, young and old,' one neighbour said.
Another said: 'He was a loveable rogue, I'm going to miss him.'
Neighbours said the front door of Mr Berney's house could be opened from the outside unless it was locked with a key, and there were frequent visitors to the property.
There was no sign of forced entry at the house, and gardaí dusted the front door for fingerprints as part of their investigation. One neighbour reported hearing a ­disturbance at the house late on Wednesday night.
'There was banging and shouting and then the ambulance and gardaí started to arrive very quickly,' the man said.
'I've never seen so many squad cars. I knew there was something up when the gardaí put the tape up around the house. It's terribly sad,' another neighbour added.
The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer at Lucan garda station.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan garda station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.