A major garda security operation is in place in Dublin ahead of the funeral of Eddie Hutch Senior later this morning.

The funeral mass of the 59 year-old, who was shot dead in Dublin's North Inner City last week, will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Sean McDermott Street .

It is believed Mr. Hutch was killed in an apparent retaliation attack following the murder of David Byrne - who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel in Dublin -earlier this month.

Reporter with the Herald Conor Feehan says security is tight: “There is rolling checkpoints and armed gardaí and members of the emergency response unit, which has been continuing since the killings.

“And that will continue again while the funeral is held on Sean McDermott Street, probably for the most of today as well and families get together after a funeral too, gardaí will be anxious to ensure that everything passes off peacefully.”