Gangland murder victim Brandon Ledwidge who was gunned down in Finglas was never one to be without a “big fat joint” and a “hammer” in his pocket, his funeral heard on Wednesday.
The 23 year-old was shot dead on his doorstep at his home on Barry Drive on Saturday, November 18. Finglas village was brought to a complete standstill on Wednesday morning before and after the service as youths raced outside up and down the road on scramblers and motorbikes.
Many performed wheelies and smokey burnouts in front of mourners. There was a heavy garda presence in the area who closely monitored proceedings. Ledwidge was carried into St Canice’s Church in a silver casket. Some attending yesterday’s funeral wore t-shirts with Brandon’s face on them.
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Men dressed in black suits wore red ties while some girls had red ribbons in their hair. During the service, a motorcycle helmet was brought up to the altar as a symbol of Brandon's life.
A eulogy written by his sister Kaci but read by his cousin Kameron, who plays for Shelbourne, said: “We are all absolutely heartbroken. A lot of memories were made, and a lot more memories should have been made. You were the life and soul of every party, always with a smile on your face no matter what.”
She added that her brother was never without a “big fat joint in your mouth and a hammer in your pocket” - which prompted a laugh from mourners. Kaci’s eulogy continued: “We will miss everything about you. Brandon loved a good trip to Amsterdam and Tenerife. You would find him asleep anywhere he went - no matter where he was.
“We will miss seeing your face and hearing your voice around the house.” She joked he always said: “Ma, what’s for dinner? I’m starving or that dinner was scrap.”
It added that Brandon thought his mam Sabrina was a taxi and always asked for “lifts”. His sister said her brother “always got his eyebrows done” and heard how he “absolutely loved himself”.
The eulogy continued: “My da is going to miss partying with you all night long.” Kaci added: “We will miss coming down at all hours in the morning … to Brandon in me ma’s kitchen with a bottle of fast gas and a balloon in your mouth with a bottle of vodka and you’re bopping head.”
The eulogy went on to say: “You took a big chunk of our hearts with you. You were a party animal. You loved a good party and the drink. You were stone-mad and made of steel.”
The funeral Mass was conducted by Fr Richard Hyland. During his homily, he spoke about Jesus and said we will be judged on the care we have for each other. Fr Hyland then said: “You reap what you sow. If you sow badness, you get badness back. If you sow goodness, you get goodness back.”
His coffin was carried out of the church as King of the Road by the Rattling Kind played. Ledwidge was then buried in Glasnevin Cemetery following the service. His remains were brought to the cemetery in a horse-drawn carriage.
He is survived by his parents Sabrina and John along with his siblings Byron, Ellie, Kaci, and Daryl. Nobody has been arrested in connection with the murder.
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