“We are all afraid to come out in this part of the country now after all that has happened, but we have to show them that they will not win,” said one man as he made his way through the gates of Kinawley Parish Church tonight to attend a special Mass in support of Fermanagh businessman Kevin Lunney.

As the rain pelted down he joined a packed church of up to 400 people in a show of solidarity for the father of six, a director at Quinn Industrial Holdings, who was abducted from outside his home and savagely beaten then left for dead almost two weeks ago.

“They have gone too far this time,” said the man, reluctant to give his name. 

“But we want Kevin and the family to know how much we are thinking of them at this time.” 

Mr. Lunney’s family, including his brother and fellow QIH director Tony, sat at the front of the church to hear Fr. Maurice McMorrow call for the community to “reflect, pray and meditate” following the attack.

Other QIH directors, John McCartin and Chief Executive Liam McCaffrey were also in attendance as were pupils from St. Aiden’s High School in Derrylin which Mr. Lunney’s children attend and Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew.

“The events that unfolded in the last few weeks were horrific indeed; nobody could condone the senseless and vicious assault carried out on Kevin Lunney,” said Fr. McMorrow.

“We wish him and his family every best wish during this difficult time,” he said. 

Fr. McMorrow said it was “self-evident” that “non-violence is such an important concept”.

“Jesus Christ is about non-violence and we are his disciples, we are people who imitate Jesus. We are bound to follow his way. 

“We reflect on that and it’s in the spirit of heartfelt prayer that we gather tonight and pause as we try to eliminate any disharmony in our midst,” he told the congregation. 

“There must be an absence of all discord,” said Fr. McMorrow.

He was joined for the Mass by Fr. Oliver O’Reilly who yesterday denounced the attack on Mr. Lunney, likening it to a “Mafia-style attack organised by its own Godfather” during his homily in Ballyconnell, County Cavan. 

After the Mass, well-wishers hugged and shook hands with Mr. Lunney’s family, expressing their concern for the 50-year-old who is now recovering at home.

“I am glad the people of Kinawley came out to show Kevin that we are thinking of him. He has done a lot for us and this area,” said one woman, who did not wish to be named.

"And he needs to know that; that's why I am here," she said.