Memorial Service for Nenagh man fatally shot in Kansas
Large crowds attended a Memorial Service in Kansas City for the Nenagh native, Shaun Brady, who died in a shooting in the city last month.
Many friends of Mr Brady along with work colleagues and those shocked by the brutality of his killing gathered in the Kansas City Irish Center last Sunday for the solemn occasion where the Nenagh man’s life and contribution to society as a son, a father, friend and loyal and inspiring work colleague was recalled.
Several hundred people attended the service and the crowd spilled out of the centre to the patio outside the building and a tent was erected to cater for the overflow.
One friend, John Kerrigan, who was present said: “Shaun was a deeply beloved member of the community here and hundreds of his friends who turned up to remember him.”
Mr Kerrigan said local media in Kansas continued to provide coverage of the killing. “Many of the nights since his passing the local news stations began with news about Shaun.”
Among those who addressed the gathering were Mr Brady’s brother Damien who travelled from Nenagh.
“We are all still reeling at the incomprehensibility that Shaun is gone from us,” Mr Kerrigan said.
Among those present was Ian Byrne, a native of Avoca, Co Wicklow, who has been living in Kansas City for 25 years, and is lead singer of the Irish-American musical group, The Elders.
Ian led a rendition of The Parting Glass while another local musician, Ashley Davis, sang When You're Gone by the Cranberries and Nothing Compares 2 U.
There was an open mic at the service and many stories and tributes paid to Mr Brady. The ceremony also featured twelve bagpipers on stage who played Amazing Grace as the service concluded.
Mr Brady, a married father of two in his mid-40s, was a highly popular chef in Kansas City.
He was a joint owner of Brady & Fox Restaurant and Lounge, a well patronised business in the Brookside area.
Mr Brady died after being shot outside his restaurant on Wednesday evening, August 28, after he apparently confronted a number of people whom local media suggested were attempting to steal a car.