A pensioner stabbed to death while on his mobility scooter will be laid to rest next Saturday.
Thomas O’Halloran, 87, was travelling just 70 metres to his home in Runnymede Gardens in West London on his scooter when he was attacked on August 16.
He had lived in England for most of his life but hailed from Ennistymon in Co Clare, and a number of relatives are expected to travel to London for his funeral.
Cork native Trish Nevin, who lives in London, said she and her husband Mick were helping organise the burial so the family can grieve in private.
She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “We just wanted to give the family some space, there was a lot of media attention because of the criminal investigation.
“The funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the Visitation Church and burial at Greenford Park, that is near where Tom lived and close to where he died.”
A reception for mourners will be held at Tirconnell Gaels GAA club, where trad musicians will play in honour of Tom who was a keen accordion player.
Trish said: “Tom was as well known for his busking outside Tesco, and Greenford tube station, he lived close by. There is a big crowd expected on Saturday. His nieces and nephews are coming over from Ireland, and we expect a big turnout of the Irish community in London.
“We will have the same musicians playing at the funeral who played at the vigil.”
An inquest hearing on August 30 heard Tom’s grandson Dennis Linter had to formally identify his grandfather’s body after he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck, chest and abdomen.
Lee Byer, 44, was charged on August 19 with Mr O’Halloran’s murder and possessing a large knife.
The judge set a plea hearing for November 8, with a provisional trial of up to three weeks starting from May 2, 2023.
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