A massive security operation is in place ahead of the funeral of David Byrne who was shot dead in Dublin over a week ago.

He died after in a gun attack at the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra last Friday week.

Gardai are mounting armed patrols in the city ahead of the funeral today.

The force is on high alert for violence following the murder of Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin and and the subsequent killing of 59 year old Eddie Hutch four days later.

The Garda Commissioner Noirin O Sullivan has personally overseen the security arrangements for today's funeral. Gardai have conducted searches for explosives in and around the Church using sniffer dogs and armed units will patrol the streets in the hours leading up to the funeral and afterwards - they will also be monitoring a number of well known hangouts of gang members.

A wake for father of two David Byrne took place at his parents home in Crumlin in Dublin yesterday ahead of his funeral mass which takes place at the Church of St Nicolas of Myra on Francis St in the city at half 12 today.