THE funerals are to take place today for a man murdered at his Co Monaghan home and the South Armagh man suspected of being linked to the death who died after being struck by a vehicle.
Christopher Mooney (60) died at his home at Knockreagh Road in the Broomfield area of Co Monaghan last Thursday morning, while 37-year-old Kieran Hamill was killed a short while later close to the border.
Gardaí are currently investigating a strong line of enquiry that Mr Hamill, a father-of-two from Concession Road in Co Armagh, killed Mr Mooney before fleeing the scene.
Mr Mooney was convicted in 2003 on several charges of sexual assault of a male minor and served five years in prison, and gardaí are investigating whether a conviction for a sexual offence may have been a factor in the killing.
It was initially reported that Mr Mooney had been stabbed during the attack at his home at around 6.30am on Thursday, but it was reported yesterday that gardaí believe he may have been bludgeoned to death.
Mr Mooney's brother is understood to have disturbed the killer at the scene about 30 minutes before Mr Hamill was struck by a vehicle at Ballynacarry Bridge around three kilometres away.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate any links between Mr Hamill and Mr Mooney, but have not confirmed Mr Hamill as the killer of the 60-year-old, who a force spokesperson said "suffered a violent death".
A funeral for Mr Mooney will be held today at St Patrick’s Church in Broomfield at 11am before he is buried in the church's adjoining cemetery.
Meanwhile, Mr Hamill will be buried at St Patrick's Church cemetary in Crossmaglen following a funeral service at 11am.
A notice said his death was: "deeply regretted by his heartbroken father, daughters, brother, sisters, brothers in law, Leanne, nephews, nieces, extended Hamill family, neighbours and many friends".