Family of murdered John Gibson say they will ‘never forget’ the day they learned of his death
By Aura McMenamin
At the funeral on Thursday morning of murder victim John Gibson, his family said they would ‘never forget’ the day they learned of his death.
Mourners gathered at his funeral in the Church of the Divine Mercy in Lucan on Thursday as his family spoke of the ‘absolute devastation’ the murder had brought them, particularly Mr Gibson’s mother Tara.
His aunt Ciara addressed mourners, saying: “No mother should ever have to bury a child.”
She continued: “Monday the 18th of September is a day that will never leave us as a family. For my parents to witness the screams from their daughter, the absolute devastation that fatal night brought on us.
“It was always just Tara and John John. She adored him and he idolised his mam,” his aunt said.
Father John Lazier addressed the congregation and said he hoped that people would consider the single mothers and children left fatherless as a result of the violence.
He said: “The first thing that has to be said, above all other things is that John was too young and had too much potential for his life to end in the tragic way that it did.”
He continued: “If the lives of young people continue to end in the same way as John’s life ended, who’ll be the fathers of our children tomorrow? Who will assist the grieving mothers left behind like John’s partner?”
Fr Lazier called for an end to the violence, saying: “Let us say no to retaliation and violence. Let us condemn the use of violence. As we come to terms with this terrible tragedy, anger and revenge must not be allowed.”
The funeral was attended by Mr Gibson’s children, son Rylan, daughter Taleigha and stepson Jayden, who walked with Mr Gibson’s partner Marlene behind the casket.
Floral tributes reading ‘Dad’ and ‘Son’ were placed beside the 28-year-old’s silver casket.
Mr Gibson, a 28-year-old father of three, was killed last Monday as he sat in his car at the Citywest Shopping Centre.
He was shot multiple times, including as he attempted to flee the scene. It is believed the killing is linked to the murder of Darragh Nugent in Clondalkin on September 11th.
No arrests have been made in relation to the murder.
