Convicted killer Derek McNamara has died at his Limerick home a month after he was given temporary release from a life sentence, due to his health deteriorating.
Mr McNamara (52), St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, was given a life sentence in Limerick Prison in 2006 after being found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of the murder of Martin O’Donoghue.
Father of four Mr O’Donoghue (35) died after he was stabbed outside a bar known as The Pub, on Broad Street, Limerick City, on August 9, 2004.
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Mr McNamara had 22 previous convictions, and at the time he was described by Gardai as a “central figure in Limerick’s criminal underworld”.
“He is one of the most significant figures in criminality in this city,” a Garda told Mr McNamara’s sentencing hearing.
The killing was not connected to Limerick’s drug gang feud which has since abated.
The father of six was convicted by a jury after three hours of deliberating following the week-long trial.
Although Mr McNamara did not physically murder Mr O’Donoghue, the jury found him guilty after a prosecution witness gave key evidence of having overheard he had phoned a third party about bringing a knife to the pub.
CCTV showed Mr O’Donoghue running away from the scene when he was pursued by Mr McNamara, and also by another man who then stabbed the victim.
In an emotional victim impact statement, Mr O’Donoghue’s sister, Lorraine O’Donoghue said her family’s lives had been ripped apart by her brother’s killing.
“He was the life and soul of our family, a great son, father, partner and uncle. His partner, Marie, said her heart has been shattered as she has lost not only her partner but her best friend,” Ms O’Domoghue said.
“We can’t understand why my brother lost his life so violently as he was such a happy-go lucky man who would never fight with anyone,” she added.
Mr McNamara died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday.
His remains are being waked at his family home and are scheduled to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Athlunkard Street, Limerick City, for 11am funeral mass, Wednesday, April 12.
Survived by his wife Linda, sons Dean and Shane, daughters Loretta, Leona, Naomi and Kayla, and his mother Annette, Mr McNamara will be laid to rest after mass in Castlemungret Cemetery.
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