Friends and family paid tribute to George Nkencho at memorial

DUBLIN: A memorial has been held near the home of George Nkencho, who was shot dead by Gardai. Family and friends paid tribute to George Nkencho. The memories of Mr. Nkencho, who had lost his life prematurely, were shared with his family and friends with great emotion.

The 27-year-old was shot dead on 30 December in his yard. The memorial was also held near his home. Family and friends gathered there had shared fondest memories of George Nkencho.

Balloons in the colors of his favorite team Manchester United flew at the ceremony. Everyone gathered there prayed silently for a minute for George.

His sister, Gloria Nkencho, said: “The one thing that I’ve realised in all of this is life is a gift. Every day we stand here it’s a gift. It is a gift to be breathing. If you are still breathing, no matter what problems you’re facing, what challenges are coming, you can survive it.

“We’re here to think about George and as we release these balloons I want everyone to think about everything it is that’s weighing them down and watch it float away. Watch it go into the sky and never come back again. You are on this Earth for a reason. Take the opportunity, take the gift. Don’t waste it,” she added.

George’s brother Emmanuel also remembered the golden memories he had of his brother. Emmanuel added that he could not bear the pain of remembering his last moments.

George’s friend Jessica said that George was someone who never got into trouble and that he always stuck up for her. “He’s just gone too soon. That’s all I can say. I want him to come back but it’s only wishful thinking.”

“George was a beautiful guy, a great friend, a great brother, a great son. Nobody needs to go through this kind of thing,” his friend Paddy said. Please, please everybody here don’t give up on this. Let’s fight. Let’s keep going. We need to get justice for George. Black lives matter. George’s life mattered,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is investigating the murder. Protests are also taking place demanding that those who took George’s life be punished. Many misinformations about George had been circulating on social media since his death. But they have been found to be mere lies.