Retired farmer Paddy Lyons, who was found dead in his Waterford home, has been laid to rest.

His death is being treated as murder.

Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in his native Ballysaggart to bid farewell to the 90-year-old earlier.

Hundreds of neighbours, friends and the wider community packed the church, as parish priest Fr Martin Cullinane spoke of the deep trauma and hurt suffered by the whole community.

He said the fact that a murder could take place so near us “shattered something so real in our community”.

He added that it was strange funeral, in that the whole of Ballysaggart were chief mourners.

Fr Cullinane also said the community would have to dig deep in its own humanity to support one another “because we cannot talk about normality again”.

Symbols of Mr Lyons’ life were brought to the alter: a music tape, turf, rosary beads and a sack – which he always had over his shoulder going to and from town to do his messages .

A representative spoke at the end of the mass on behalf of Mr Lyons’ relatives.

She spoke about his life and how he was a unique intelligent man “honest, kind and humble”.

She said his untimely death cast a shadow – but that the outpouring of shock, grief and support was a testament to a wonderful man.

She also thanked those who cared for him and the work of gardaí.

She prayed that justice will prevail and said that Mr Lyons would “live in their hearts forever”.