Funeral details announced for killed grandad Stephen Brannigan
The funeral of murder victim Stephen Brannigan will be held this weekend.
The 56-year-old died following an incident in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick on Sunday.
Mr Brannigan, a father and a grandfather, was pronounced dead at the scene after officers and ambulance service personnel were called to the property following a report of the death of a man at the address.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 16 in St. Brigid's Church in Downpatrick and will be followed by interment in Struell Cemetery.
Stephen Brannigan
News in 90 Seconds - August 14th
The chapel is the same place where a prayer vigil was held last Sunday evening after his body was discovered.
Prayers at this gathering were also said for Fr John Murray, who had been assaulted with a bottle in the sacristy of St Patrick's Church.
The elderly priest who was due to retire this week is reportedly 'progressing' in hospital.
In the funeral notice, Mr Brannigan is remembered as a beloved father and grandfather.
'Dearly beloved husband of the late Dorenda, and much loved father of Gemma and Ciara, loving grandfather of Sophie, Lily, Connor, Clodagh, Holly and Ruairi, dear son of Gerry and Kathleen, and brother of Damien, Michelle, Adrian and Paul,' the funeral notice read.
It added: 'Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects at his parents' home."
Stephen Brannigan died after an attack in Downpatrick on Sunday (PSNI/PA)
On Monday, Mr Brannigan's family thanked the local community for their support following his death.
"We want to express our particular thanks to those who organised and gathered for the beautiful prayer vigil in St Brigid's Church in the town on Sunday evening,' they said.
"It means so much to us at this difficult time and reflects the very special people who make up the Marian Park and wider Downpatrick community.
"Stephen was known among his neighbours and friends as someone who was always willing to help out, ready to do whatever needed to be done for the good of others.
"Even the day before he died, he was tending the graves of friends and neighbours, as he did, almost every day, the grave of his late wife Dorenda, who died five years ago from cancer.
"Stephen faced many difficult issues in his life. We know his life was not perfect. But for us, he was our dad, our grandad, our son and our brother.
"His rock through all of this was Dorenda. We pray they will be reunited now in perfect peace and love.'
Hugh Malone appeared in court on Wednesday after being charged with the murder of Mr Brannigan, and attempted murder of Fr Murray.
The 30-year-old appeared before Newtownards Magistrates' Court today via video-link from Belfast's Musgrave police station.
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