Lunney abduction condemned from pulpit

 

The abduction and beating of QIH senior executive Kevin Lunney was in itself attacked as a violation of “core Christian values” from at least one pulpit in the Diocese of Kilmore.

Earlier this evening while addressing his parishioners in the Knockninny Parish, which takes in the village of Derrylin and hinterland, V. Rev. Gerard Alwill stated that the “brutal and barbaric” attack on Mr Lunney “was totally abhorrent to all decent people. The attack violates, not only of core Christian values, but flouting any sense of natural human principles of mutual respect and love of one another.”

Fr Alwill went on to say it is a “basic democratic principle” that people hold different views on certain issues and “the right to articulate their opinions. But nobody has the right to inflict such an appalling and vicious onslaught on any man or woman, or on any family. In Christian eyes, there can be no justification whatsoever for such actions.”

He said: “To plan and to carry out such a savage attack is totally contrary, not only to the teachings of Jesus Christ, but undermines every fibre of human decency that is within us. We are horrified and disgusted by the brutality of this attack and by the sheer heartlessness that could inflict such suffering on the wife, the children and the wider family of the individual concerned. It is an attack on the wider community, instilling fear and helplessness,” Fr Alwill said, concluding by issuing an heartfelt appeal for those involved in the ongoing campaign of intimidation against QIH bosses.

“We appeal to those who felt compelled to engage in such barbarity to seek other ways to resolve their dispute.”

It follows comments made by Fr Gerry Comiskey of the nearby Drumlane Parish speaking on RTE's Drivetime with Mary Wilson on Friday evening.

Fr Comiskey, who married Mr Lunney and his wife Bronagh some 20 years ago, spoke of his shock at the viciousness of the attack, and stated that the “terrorists” behind the incident will face the judgement of God, but he was hopeful too that they should face justice before a court of law.