A funeral service was conducted for retired detective Peter Meagher at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, three weeks after his death in the Bondi attack on December 14. Mr. Meagher, who was working as a freelance photographer at the Chanukah by the Sea event, was among the victims. This service marked the final funeral in connection with the attack.
Attendees and Tributes
Dozens of mourners attended the service, which included the presence of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
During the service, Mr. Meagher's police service badge, a Randwick Rugby jersey, and his camera were displayed near the casket. A jar of lollies was also placed as a reference to his preference for sweets.
Father Richard Leonard, who officiated Mr. Meagher's wedding nine years prior, presided over the funeral. He stated, "None of us should be here," and described Mr. Meagher's death as occurring "suddenly, violently and far too soon."
Family and Colleagues Speak
David Meagher, Peter Meagher's brother, addressed the attendees, describing him as a supportive brother who provided care and protection, qualities he associated with his police career. David Meagher also commented on gun reform, stating, "What can you do with six guns that you can't do with four? Gun reform alone will not solve hatred or extremism," and added, "But an antisemite without a gun is just a hate-filled person, an antisemite with a gun is a killer." He noted that his brother, a police officer for over 30 years, had carried a gun daily but never discharged it.
Virginia Wynne-Markham, Mr. Meagher's wife, recounted meeting him through an online dating service and being drawn to his interest in rugby. She mentioned receiving her first Valentine's Day flowers from him. Ms. Wynne-Markham noted that many of her friends and former colleagues were at Archer Park on the day of the attack.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald, who worked with Mr. Meagher for four years, spoke about his career. Mr. Meagher received several commendations during his 35 years with the NSW Police Force, including for his involvement in the investigation of the 2014 Lindt Cafe terror attack in Sydney. Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald characterized Mr. Meagher's career as one marked by decency and compassion. He stated, "What happened to Peter at Bondi was immoral, unjust and indecent, and Peter was none of those things." He further described Mr. Meagher as "an incredibly moral and honest man" who "believed in justice, and he believed in good."
Mr. Meagher was also a volunteer with Randwick Rugby, where general manager Mark Harrisson previously referred to him as "one of the heart and soul figures" of the club.