As the murdered lorry driver's funeral was due to take place in Armagh today, it emerged that officers believe some of the smugglers may hold the key to establishing the identity of the former members of the Provisional IRA who were blamed for the murder.

Gardai say that the IRA stranglehold on the border region has already been broken with a younger generation no longer showing any respect for the former terrorist godfathers.

One of the reasons put forward for the savage beating inflicted on Mr Quinn (21) on Saturday in a Co Monaghan shed was that he had allegedly failed to respect the authority of one of the ex-godfathers.

Mr Quinn had been told to leave his native area, according to his family, after he had earlier clashed with a republican and the son of another republican.

Family and friends were expected to pack St Patrick's Church in Cullyhanna today to say their final goodbyes to the young man.

Archbishop of Armagh Dr Sean Brady said: "This barbaric deed should be seen for what it is - evil and inexcusable, causing revulsion and shame in all right-minded people."

He urged people to pass on information to gardai or PSNI.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also condemned the murder, but said it was inappropriate to speculate who was responsible while the police were still investigating.