Funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee to take place in Belfast

 

The family of Lyra McKee says she was a “gentle innocent soul” who wouldn’t wish ill on anyone.
In a statement, they say Lyra would’ve wanted hate and intolerance to be overcome with “love, understanding and kindness”.
The journalist’s funeral takes place in Belfast today, after she was killed by dissident republicans in Derry last week.
The normally busy city centre of Belfast will be a quieter place this lunch time, as mourners gather to pay their respects to Lyra McKee, the 29 year old journalist murdered by dissident republicans during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry last Thursday.
A group calling themselves the New IRA claimed responsibility for her killing.
A 57 year old woman, the third person to be arrested in connection with the murder, has been released without charge.
A service of thanksgiving for Lyra’s life will take place at St Anne’s Cathedral on Donegall Street at 1 O’Clock.
The President, Taoiseach and Tanaiste and leaders of all the main northern political parties will attend the service, which will be led by the Dean of St Anne’s Stephen Forde and Fr Martin Magill.
Lyra’s partner Sara Canning wants mourners to wear Harry Potter, Hufflepuff or Marvel-related clothes to honour her.
A vigil took place at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance last night, organised by the National Union of Journalists.