Tributes have poured in for Carmel Collins, mother of innocent gangland murder victim Roy Collins, following her death.
The mum of five, who was in her 60s, “passed away peacefully” at Milford Hospice in Castletroy after a long illness.
The family had returned to Co Limerick in recent years after living abroad under a Garda relocation programme.
Mrs Collins, her husband Steve and four other children had come under sustained threat from the Dundon gang after they killed 35-year-old Roy.
Her death comes just 12 days after the 10th anniversary of his murder.
The innocent father of two was shot dead at his arcade business in Roxboro on April 9, 2009. The boss of the
notorious criminal gang Wayne Dundon and members Nathan Killeen and James Dillon all are serving life sentences for murder.
Following the shooting the Collins family led a 5,000-strong march through Limerick which led to increased and tougher anti-gangland legislation.
Dad of slain Roy Collins says 'haunted' family have returned to Limerick to rebuild their lives
New laws included the introduction of non-jury courts, the use of surveillance by gardai and making it an offence to be a member of a criminal gang.
Since their return to Ireland, Roy’s brother Steven has taken charge at the family’s pub on Glentworth Street in Limerick, across the road from the Garda Divisional Headquarters.
Hundreds of tributes to Mrs Collins appeared online over the weekend.
One wellwisher wrote: “RIP you are with your beloved son again xxx.”
Another said: “RIP Carmel you were a wonderful and loving person.”
Many others extended their condolences to the family.
An obituary notice stated Mrs Collins is survived by “her loving husband Steve, sons Paul, Steven Jnr and Ryan, daughter Leanne, grandchildren, daughters-in-law and partners, sisters, brothers, the extended Lee and Collins families and large circle of friends.”
The body will be reposing at Cross’ Funeral Home on Gerald Griffin Street in Limerick from 4.30pm tomorrow followed by removal at 6.30pm to St John’s Cathedral.
Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Wednesday with the burial at Kilmurry Cemetery, Castletroy.
Relative have requested family flowers only with “donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre”.
