IRELAND IN "recent times has witnessed first-hand the little respect and value placed on human life", the funeral of taximan Mark Smyth - who was stabbed to death - was told in Ashbourne, Co Meath, yesterday.
"We have to work together in building a society where people can feel safe in their homes; where people are safe as they go about their daily lives earning a living as Mark was that fatal night," said Fr Derek Darby, celebrant of the funeral Mass.
The a 31-year-old father of two was stabbed repeatedly during an attack in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, on March 18th last.
"People have been touched in some way by the appalling and senselessly violent attack on Mark's life," Fr Darby said in his sermon. He added that it was the responsibility of every Christian to understand the value and sacredness of life.
Brought up in Ballymun, Mr Smyth moved to Duleek last year. His family has been involved in the taxi business for generations. "His grandfather was a founding member of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation," Fr Darby noted.
President of the Irish Taxi Drivers' Federation John Ussher said: "I've worked with three generations of the family and I've found them all honest, decent men . . . my sympathies go out to his father, his partner and their young children." President of the National Taxi Drivers' Union Tommy Gorman said the family was highly regarded in the business.
Chief mourners at the funeral were: Mr Smyth's partner Emma; their children Lewis (5) and Mason (2); his father Paddy;brothers Paddy, Peter, and Cecil; and his sister Janet. His mother died in 2000. Burial afterwards was in the cemetery at Ashbourne.
