However, his family, still devastated by his death, say they are keeping scrap books about Emmett and will ensure his son knows everything about his dad.

Emmett's girlfriend who gave birth to the couple's baby just days after his death, is still too traumatised to speak publicly, however the family say the baby is doing well.

The Derry man's adopted father Patsy Moore told the 'Journal' his family would never get over the loss of Emmett.

"Emmett was such a part of our family since he was seven months old," he said. "And it took a bullet to take him away from us. My wife is breaking her heart."

Patsy, a devout Catholic said he's angry at Bishop Seamus Hegarty's refusal to sign a petition calling for an end to dissident republican activity in the city.

Bishop

"Emmett was so well respected that it will go a long way that Bishop Hegarty wouldn't sign the petition and back him up," he said.

"I never knew how popular my Emmett was.

"Young people will turn away, the chapels are already half empty now. These are the people who 10 or 15 years ago wanted the guns off the streets. That's what this petition was for, to get the guns out.

"There are times now when I can't believe Emmett's gone and I feel it so hard. He was such a kind hearted boy."

A bricklayer by trade, Emmett had recently taken a job delivering pizzas when construction work dried up. He was also a lifeline to his disabled brother, Kevin, who lived beside him.

"Emmett was straight over when I needed anything," said Kevin."And he was always there for my children."

Over the moon

Emmett's sister Maureen Wilkinson revealed that her brother was over the moon at the prospect of becoming a dad.

"He had everything bought," she said, "And when he found out he was having a boy, he couldn't wait to tell us."