This past Friday, a church in southern Dublin was filled with numerous people mourning the death of James ‘Jaws’ Byrne at his funeral service. James was the father of Liam Byrne, a critical player in the Kinahan cartel’s operations in Ireland. His youngest son, David, was killed by the Hutch gang during the 2016 attack on the Regency Hotel. James, who had a history of crime and had twice been the target by the Criminal Assets Bureau, was 77 years old when he passed away at Tallaght Hospital last week after extended illness.
Liam, 43, who is currently awaiting a trial for firearms trafficking charges in a British jail, could not be present at the funeral. However, his own son, Lee Byrne, 25, delivered a lengthy eulogy about his grandfather at the service. He mentioned his father’s deep gratitude towards his grandfather for the life he had given him. With emotion in his voice, Lee communicated to the mourners that his grandfather cherished life and loved his entire extended family, putting an emphasis on Sadie, their grandmother.
James passed on lessons of unity, solidarity, and looking out for one another to everyone in the family, from his children to his grandchildren. His happiest moments were when the entire family was together, be it during their favourite holidays, on birthdays, at Christmas, or during Liverpool matches as he was an ardent Reds fan. Lee also shared a saying his grandfather would often quote about the limitless possibilities of paper to hold memories, explaining that it falls short to describe what their grandfather meant to them.
Lee also shared about the difficult last few weeks his grandfather had during which he was worried about Liam, who would soon be put on trial at the Old Bailey, London, for conspiracy to traffic firearms. Despite his health, James wished to live until September, a fact that resonated with Lee as a testament of his grandfather’s fight against his illness.
Mr Byrne conveyed a heartfelt message from his father, Liam, who is presently in Belfast Prison awaiting trial. Liam had asked his son to express his thoughts during the service. Everyone acknowledged their father-son affection, a bond so powerful that it sometimes sparked envy. The father-son duo was inseparable, with Liam fondly recounting tales told by his dad. He wishes he could express his profound gratitude to his father for the love and life he bestowed upon him. Unfortunately, he was not able to attend the ceremony, much to his remorse, particularly as he wanted to be there for his mother, who he cherishes dearly.
Friday noon witnessed a halt in traffic on Meath Street due to the service at St Catherine’s Church. The family was transported to and from the church in five lavish limousines. James Byrne, also referred known as ‘Jemmy’ from Raleigh Square, Crumlin, is survived by his wife Sadie and children – James, Joanne, Melanie, Maria, and Liam. The funeral included the playing of Frank Sinatra’s Circles as the casket bearing the remains of the deceased was brought into the church.
The service was marked by a large gathering of Byrne’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who recited prayers. His life was commemorated by offering his glasses, lottery tickets, a television remote control, and a family photograph. Numerous floral tributes were seen, including one that read “My Hero”.
The funeral differed from that of David Byrne in 2016, where many middle-aged gang members had attended. In recent years, the organised crime group previously run by Liam Byrne has been largely disbanded by the Garda. Today, many notorious criminals associated with the gang are either serving jail terms or living overseas, unable to return to Ireland. The burial of Byrne was scheduled to take place later that Friday afternoon at Mount Jerome Cemetery.