Up to 100 Gardai are involved in the policing of the funeral for Barney Mc Ginley in Co. Westmeath this afternoon.

The 63 year old was shot at a wedding of a young Traveller couple in Co Fermanagh last week.

The PSNI says it's following a definite line of inquiry after his murder. Last week they called on the killer and those who assisted him to give themselves up.

Floral tributes surround the altar of St Mary’s chuch this afternoon – remembering Mr McGinley as a father and grandfather.
The 63 year old was attending a family wedding in Newtonbutler in Co. Fermanagh last Wednesday when he was shot – he died from his injuries a short time later.

IT’s alleged the shooting was as a result of an ongoing feud within the Traveller community.

Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry as regards the shooting of Mr McGinley – and investigations are ongoing.

Security is tight in Athlone this afternoon – for fear of reprisals, with one garda estimate putting the number of gardai policing the funeral at 100.

Garda checkpoints are set up on roads leading into Athlone, with uniformed gardai and members of the armed response unit outside St Mary’s Church - where the funeral will be celebrated by father Turlough Baxter.