Hundreds of mourners have filled the streets in a Co Tyrone town to pay their respects to murder victim James McDonagh. The funeral was held in Coalisland on Sunday, January 17.
Mr. McDonagh died in hospital on Monday after suffering from head injuries resulted from an attack outside the Elk Inn outside Toomebridge, in the early hours of January 10.
Better known as Jim, he purportedly came from a travelling background and was married with two young sons. The McDonagh family agonised over Jim's death were comforted by relatives and a large section of the travelling community who have all came to put the 28-year-old father-of-two to rest.
The officiating priest, Father Paul Byrne told the congregation of mourners that they have all have gathered in "dismay and sadness, even in a state of shock and anger," sharing the prevailing thought that Mr. McDonagh's life had ended too soon.
"His young life [was] cut so short in tragic circumstances that should have been and could have been avoided," Fr Byrne said. "Life is precious, too precious to be cast aside so easily, so vicariously."
A 24-year-old man named Joiner Finbar McCoy appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with murder of McDonagh.
The court has shared the defendant's reply to the murder charge put to him.
"I can't bring words together to say how sorry I am. I feel so sad for the family, but I did not murder James McDonagh." McCoy stated.
As per Belfast Telegraph, a detective sergeant has purportedly told District Judge Barney McElholm that he could connect the suspect to the alleged crime. He also stated that McCoy had admitted to punching the victim.
To this, the official also told the results of a post-mortem examination confirming Mr. McDonagh died after sustaining fatal head injuries as he hit his head after falling backwards from a punch.
Defence barrister Mark Mullholland had called the case a tragedy and reports that his client had fully co-operated with police since being arrested.
In the homily of Father Byrne, he reminded mourners that although it may be hard to see God's plans in the midst of this brutality, 'Jim' will be "with God as Christ has promised".
Mr. McDonagh was buried afterwards in the parish cemetery.
