Heavy security presence expected ahead of funeral

A heavy security presence is expected in the town later this morning as the funeral of Barney McGinley gets underway in St Mary’s Church.

Originally from Longford but living in Athlone for some years, Mr McGinley was shot at the wedding in Newtownbutler in Fermanagh last Wednesday.

The 63-year-old was flown to hospital by police helicopter but died a short time later. A second man was injured in the shooting, however, his injuries were not thought to be serious.

Last night’s removal happened amid a heavy security cordon around Athlone with checkpoints on all approach roads and a huge garda presence in the town. The Garda Water Unit was also drafted in to police the area around the funeral home at the Strand, where Mr McGinley was lying in repose prior to his removal to St Mary’s Church yesterday evening.

The funeral is expected to get underway today at noon with burial afterwards in Coosan cemetery.