A heartbroken father has called for an end to Limerick’s gang warfare – just hours after burying his 21-year-old son.

Patrick Sheehan’s son Robert died after he was shot several times in the head and body as he arrived at a family wedding.

Police believe Sheehan was murdered at the Bunratty Castle Hotel as a result of a long running feud in the city.

Now a report in the Irish Independent says that his father wants to start a campaign to change Limerick’s violent image and redirect young people away from a life of crime.

Dad Patrick told the paper: “This violence has to stop. Our children are being killed all around us and we have to do something to make it stop.”

Sheehan denied his family had any involvement in crime and did not want revenge for his son’s death.

He added: “There are so many more families in Limerick going through this and that have gone through this and their heartache is unbelievable.

“I would like to take this opportunity to ask these families to unite together and stop this senseless violence.

“I would like to start a campaign to change the face of Limerick city and our children’s lives.

“On behalf of myself, Majella (wife) and family, I would like to take this opportunity to let the people of Limerick city understand that, as a family, we do not want to see any more violence come from my son’s death.”