Thousands turn out to say farewell to talented journalist Lyra McKee

FAMILY, friends, di

nitaries, politicians, and members of the public have turned out in their thousands to celebrate the life of much loved journalist Lyra McKee.

The 29-year-old author and writer was shot dead in Creggan last Thursday by dissident republican terrorists during rioting in the city.

Irish president Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Simon Coveney made the trip from to Belfast for the 1 pm funeral service at St Anne’s Cathedral.

British Prime Minister Theresa May flew in from London for the celebration and greeted Lyra McKee’s family and friends at St Annes.

Leading politicians from the main parties in the North of Ireland have also attended the service which was being jointly conducted by the Dean of St Anne’s, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde, and Lyra’s friend Fr Martin Magill.

Politiicans from Derry are also attending including Mayor John Boyle, a personal friend of Lyra’s who taught her media studies when she was a teenager.

Ahead of today’s service Lyra’s family paid tribute to the “gentle, innocent soul” whose “desire to bring people together made her totally apolitical”.

They added that her “personal philosophy” was that the “only way to overcome hatred and intolerance was with love, understanding and kindness”.

They described her as having a “warm and innocent heart”, adding that she was “the greatest listener and someone who had time for everyone”.

She was a “smart, strong-minded woman who believed passionately in inclusivity, justice and truth”, they added.

After today’s service, the National Union of Journalists will form a guard of honour outside the Cathedral in Donegall Street.

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