COPS ARE OUT
A MAJOR security operation was mounted yesterday at the funeral of gangland ‘murder victim’ Jason Hennessy.
Gardai were out in force and formed a ring of steel around the funeral over fears there could be reprisals for the killing of Trystan Sherry who was killed minutes after he shot Mr Hennessy.
The slain 48-year-old’s coffin arrived at Saint Patrick church, Corduff, Dublin on a vehicle recovery truck belonging to his business.
In a Hulk-themed coffin, his remains were carried into the church by pallbearers after being removed from the truck, which was emblazoned with tributes referring to the deceased as ‘the boss man’ and ‘Daddy Jay’.
Mr Hennessy, who was known to gardai and facing a money laundering trial next year, sustained gunshot injuries after killer Tristan Sherry entered Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve, and opened fire.
It is understood Mr Hennessy Sr was not the intended target but was wounded when he attempted to disarm the bungling gunman.
He was expected to live but his condition deteriorated and he died in hospital two weeks ago after a wound to the neck
One onlooker at yesterday’s funeral remarked there were nearly as many police officers as mourners after three busloads of public order gardai were drafted in to provide support to uniformed personnel.
In the background, units from Armed Support patrolled the area in and around the church well ahead of the funeral.
Shortly after 11am the cortege – led by Hennessy’s sons Jason and Devon – made its way slowly from the family home on Sheephill Avenue in the direction of Blackcourt Road.
In keeping with the Hulk-themed funeral, the lead mourners donned white shirts and green ties.
More than 100 mourners walked behind the the Hulk Recovery truck carrying the casket as it made its way to the church, as locals and a large number of gardaí looked on. After the ceremony in St Patrick’s, Mr Hennessy’s remains were brought to Glasnevin Cemetery for cremation. On Friday, a local priest arrived at the Hennessy home in Sheephill to say prayers over his body. Several friends and family members were also seen paying their respects throughout the day after Hennessy’s remains were brought into the house. Mr Hennessy, who had been facing a laundering trial next year, was enjoying a meal with family when gunman Tristan Sherry entered the Browne’s