Large crowds flock to funeral of traveller killed in police chase

 


A popular Irish traveller’s funeral triggered large crowds despite Covid-19 restrictions limiting the number of mourners to 30 people.

Patrick “Paddy” Connors, 36, was killed in a horror smash after a police chase last month.

He was laid to rest after a horse-drawn carriage led a cortege that saw silver Rolls-Royces and expensive supercars follow crowds of mourners to the cemetery.

A plane also took to the air to paint the sky the colours of the Irish flag to kick-start the procession.

a man riding a horse drawn carriage: Paddy Connors' funeral procession was led by a horse-drawn carriage© MEN Paddy Connors' funeral procession was led by a horse-drawn carriage

The funeral on Friday brought traffic to a standstill as crowds lined the route to Westwood Cemetery in Wigan despite local lockdown measures.

Friends and family carried his coffin part way into the cemetery while singing and chanting his name while horse-drawn carriages were draped in the Irish tricolour. 

Cars could also be heard beeping and revving in commemoration while lorries also drove by with flowers and photos of the beloved father-of-four.

Flowers adorned his coffin, which was also draped in orange, white and green, reading ‘Big Paddy’ and ‘Dada’.

Pub landlords were advised to shut as scores of people gathered and blocked roads for his wake which, in accordance with traveller culture, happened before the funeral.click here for finneral flowers

a man holding a sign: Paddy Connors died following a police chase© Facebook Paddy Connors died following a police chase

Chief Inspector Liz Sanderson of Greater Manchester Police said: “This is a very difficult time for the family and the community as they grieve the loss of their loved one who sadly passed away, and it is important that they are able to mourn.

“Our approach has been a sensitive and respectful one as we acknowledge the hurt that many people feel at this time.

“We are working closely with the family of the man, and with local partners, to ensure that the attending group are able to join together in a safe environment, whilst trying to minimise any disruption to those in the local area.

“It is important that the public remember the value of observing the guidelines and regulations in relation to gatherings and we would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all those who continue to play their part during this extremely difficult time.”

Paddy, 36, who lived in Wigan, died in a smash which in Salford at 11.40pm on Wednesday, September 23.

His friend Thomas Sharpe, known as Tommy, also died, while three people in another car were injured.

a person riding on the back of a truck: Irish flag were draped over the procession vehicle© SWNS Irish flag were draped over the procession vehicle

The men were travelling in a Mercedes C class car when the horror crash happened after an unmarked police car gave chase.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct probe revealed the emergency lights and siren on the unmarked car were used to signal for the Mercedes to stop.

The pursuit lasted less then a minute before the Mercedes smashed into two VW Passats travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of one of the vehicles, a taxi, had minor injuries.

a plane flying in the air: A plane painted the sky in the colours of the Republic of Ireland's flag© Manchester Evening News A plane painted the sky in the colours of the Republic of Ireland's flag

Two women, who were passengers in the back of the taxi, were taken to hospital with serious injuries, which were not thought to be life-threatening. The driver of the second VW Passat was uninjured.

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