Mourners urged to show patience at funeral of man shot dead by police in Dublin

by Michael McHugh, PA

The family of a man shot dead by Irish police have been urged to show patience with the authorities.

George Nkencho, 27, died in the incident outside his Dublin home in December.

His sister said his death was untimely, unplanned and unwanted.

Gloria Nkencho delivered a eulogy at the start of her brother’s funeral Mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in the capital on Saturday.

She said: “This is in memory of my brother, for everything he stood for, for all that he believed in.

“It was untimely, unplanned and unwanted, but he is welcomed into the bosom of the Lord.

“He is at peace, he is happy, my family will be at peace.”

The coffin of George Nkencho, who was shot dead by gardai outside his Dublin home last December, is removed from the hearse on arrival at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Huntstown, Dublin.

Mr Nkencho was shot multiple times outside his home in Clonee, west Dublin.

He was allegedly brandishing a knife and threatened gardai before he was shot by members of Blanchardstown garda armed support unit.

Mr Nkencho was suffering from mental health issues at the time.

His sister said: “Remember George for not what they said about him, but for who he is and for who he will forever be in our hearts.

“A brother, a son, a nephew, a best friend, a cousin, a team-mate, a classmate, a partner.

“He is at peace and we love you.”

The cleric who conducted the service said: “Let the law do its work as investigations are still ongoing.

“Be patient with the appropriate authorities, that is the only advice I will give to the whole family.”