now, the prime minister taking her seat with the mourners. but pausing festival to speak to the mother of lyra mckee, joan mckee who is leading the mourners today along with lyra mckee‘s two brothers, three sisters and her partner sarah. the murder of lyra mckee condemned

by david livingstone and emily thornbury and prime minister's questions today as they stood in respectively for the prime minister and forjeremy corbyn, who is also here in belfast for this funeral service. a hugely solemn day here at sundance cathedral in belfast —— saint annes cathedral in belfast —— saint annes cathedral in belfast —— saint annes cathedral in belfast, in derry, and the many places where people are remembering lyra mckee today, including many of herjournalist colleagues, but this is also about a celebration of her life. , which is

what it says on the front of the order of service for this funeral today, a celebration of the life of lyra catherine mckee, who died last thursday, murdered by dissident republicans in derry as she observed rioting going on in the creggan estate area of the city that night. that is the irish foreign minister, simon coveney, along with karen bradley, the secretary of state for northern ireland, taking their seats at st anne's cathedral also.

the irish and british prime ministers, leo varadkar and theresa may. i'm sure the words of many people in the wake of lyra mckee‘s death: politicians to make this a moment of change, will not be lost on any of the politicians sitting there today as they prepare for this funeral service.

there is a hope, and expectation, a demand, even, that politicians let this tragic event mean something, that it will lead to some movement politically, especially here in northern ireland. theresa may speaking they are to the irish president, michael d higgins. as we wait for lyra mckee‘s often to be brought into st anne's cathedral,

it is perhaps a moment to reflect on the statement from her family, paying tribute to her saying she was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, great—aunt, a partner, a niece, cousin and above all a best friend and confident so many of us. a friend to all, a gentle, innocent soul, who wouldn't wish will —— wish ill on anyone. such a warm and innocent heart, she was the greatest listener, someone who had time for everyone. they added, that she was a smart, strong—minded woman who believed passionately in inclusivity, justice and in truth.

she was said to have a brilliant career ahead of her, already very well respected at 29 years old, for herjournalism she had made the forwards 30 under 30 list. she was working on her second book. what stands out above all of this is not just her career and what she was achieving in nats, so many tributes have been made praising herfor her friendship and understanding, the time that she had for other people.

lyra mckee‘s family asking that her life and her personal philosophy are used as an example to everyone. the family are taking huge solace in the outpouring of support and love they have witnessed since last thursday. to know that lyra meant so much to so to know that lyra meant so much to so many people.

applause. and the many, many people gathered outside st anne's cathedral clapping, showing their support as the coffin bearers go in, bringing lyra mckee‘s often into st anne's cathedral. a service celebrating her

life. the lord gave and the lord has taken away. bless it be the name of the lord. i know that my redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth, i myself will see him with my own eyes. placid or those who mourn, for you shall be comforted. i'm sure that neither death, nor life, nor things comforted. i'm sure that neither

death, nor life, northings to comforted. i'm sure that neither death, nor life, nor things to come, nor life nor death or anything else in creation will be able to separate us in creation will be able to separate us from the love of god, in christ jesus our lord. new eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has the heart of man conceived what god has prepared for those who love him. jesus says, behold, i am the resurrection and the life. whoever believes in the will live, even though they die, and to lives and believes in me, they shall never die.

this afternoon, we have gathered... this is the dean of st anne's cathedral, stephen forde. whether we have come today as a person of

convicted faith or honest questions, whether we have walked through the doors of this cathedral as president oi’ doors of this cathedral as president or prime minister, politician or police officer, personalfriends or prime minister, politician or police officer, personal friends or close family member, we each come to express our grief and shock, our tea rs express our grief and shock, our tears and our loss. we offer our heartfelt sympathy and personal prayers to lyra's mother, jim, her partner, her sisters, and brothers, and each of you who is part of her wider circle of family and friends. lyra was a person who broke down barriers and reached across boundaries. this was her hallmark in life. this is her legacy in death.

asa life. this is her legacy in death. as a journalist, she pursued truth wherever it took her, never content with the solemn silence of u na nswered with the solemn silence of unanswered questions. lyra was a child of the good friday agreement. she was a primary school pupil in north belfast with the agreement was signed. she grew up to champion its hope for a society that was free from the prejudices of the past and open to the possibilities of a new future for the peoples of these islands. in this cathedral behind me, the soaring spire of hope was addedin me, the soaring spire of hope was added in 2007 as a visual symbol of the new hopes of the good friday agreement. with resurrection hope this spire pierces glass ceilings of old histories and point upwards to a

new and better future. old histories and point upwards to a new and betterfuture. this is the future that lyra lived for, loved for and longed for. in this easter week, when bitter violence is not only claimed the life of lyra but the lives of over 300 innocent people in sri lanka, let us and the service of remembrance and celebration hold to a god given hope that lyra's legacy will cause each of us to break down barriers and reach across boundaries. so, let us buy our heads in prayer. god of life and love, by the resurrection of jesus to point us to a true faith and are sure hope. strength this faith and hope in a solar days that we may live as those who believe in the communion of god with my people,

the communion of god with my people, the forgiveness of sinful words and actions and the easter resurrection to life eternal. through actions and the easter resurrection to life eternal. throuthesus christ our saving redeemer, amen.

the congregation gathered for the funeral of lyra mckee now listening to the choir of the cathedral singing how great thou art. the dean of the cathedral, stephen forde, saying of lyra mckee that she broke down barriers, this was her hallmark in life, he said. he added that she had grown up to champion a society

that was free of prejudices of the past. he said that whether people had come to the cathedral today as a family member, a friend or a politician, they were there to express their grief and shock at how suddenly her life had been brought to an end.

you are watching the funeral service for lyra mckee, the 29—year—old journalist killed by dissident republicans last thursday in derry, sharp as she observed rioting that was happening in the city that night. since then, a huge outpouring of anger at those who carried out this attack. demands for something better for northern ireland and a huge outpouring of love and respect for lyra mckee, both her work and the person she was, i friend to so

many. this service is being held in the church of ireland cathedral in belfast, but the ministers leading the service are both the church of ireland minister, the dean of the cathedral, stephen forde, and the catholic priest. father martin magill. and the range of people gathered here today to pay their respects as well totally indicative of the person that lyra mckee was, someone of the person that lyra mckee was, someone who we have learnt in the past few days, made friends with anybody and everybody, herfamily said, no matter what their background. no matter they had political views or none. this was

the sort of northern ireland that she champions. of course, it is the sort of northern ireland that people hope will be part of her legacy. music: how great thou art.

when jesus saw the crowds whenjesus saw the crowds he went up the mountain and after he sat down his disciples came to him. then he began to speak and talk to them, saying, placid of the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. blasted are they will be comforted. blasted are the meek fore they will inherit the earth. placid or those whose hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. placid are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. placid are the pure in heart for they will see god. blasted are the peacemakers for they will be called children of god. blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. here ends the

reading.

music: the lord is my sheperd.

# surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. # all the days of my life. # and i will dwell in the house of the lord forever.

# forever. # forever #.

good afternoon, everybody. eamon holmes said that even are to be a hundred, that it would be the proudest, most important and relu cta nt proudest, most important and reluctant beauty of his life when he spoke at george best was my funeral. i have been asked today to say a few words on behalf of all of lyra's friends. i see a lot of you here today and there are many more outside and thousands with us in spirit across the world. lyra had many friends drawn from all walks of life, all ships, all sizes, many friends drawn from all walks of life, allships, allsizes, genders, interests. there were no formulas or tech boxes in her world. you just needed to be a good person. the fact that i, a middle—class, middle—aged protesta nt protesta nt

that i, a middle—class, middle—aged protestant protestant heterosexual is testament to that. i was just her mates. the world in recent days have come to know her through her work, but the public side of lyra was only the tip of the iceberg. the name lyra comes from the musical instrument the lyra. and 0rpheus was killed his instrument was thrown into the river, an eagle was sent by zeus to recover it and the eagle and instrument were both placed in the sky. in the second century, the consolation was named lyra. she is not here in person but starlight fills displaced. she would be thrilled that all of france could be in one place and they will finally be connected. lyra was smart, kind, passionate, interesting, feisty,

generous, funny and above all else truly compassionate. today it is my honour to give you just a few exa m ples of honour to give you just a few examples of these virtues and an indication of some of the good times we had together. lyra was introduced to me bya we had together. lyra was introduced to me by a mutualfriend called kym johnson. i was working as a technology executive in dublin but i put aside time to mentor emerging talent. 0n put aside time to mentor emerging talent. on my next trip to belfast i met lyra. she had forwarded me on some documents and ideas and they we re some documents and ideas and they were all very good, however i was astounded when i was met with ripped jeans, holt and astounded when i was met with ripped jeans, holtand her astounded when i was met with ripped jeans, holt and her trainers and she was still using her school bag. within two minutes i was blown away. i was listening to the best pitch i'd ever received. this young lady was very special. it was not long before she decided she wanted to focus on journalism rather than technology. but not before we had some great sport with the dark underworld the venture capitalist.

0n underworld the venture capitalist. on one underworld the venture capitalist. 0n onei underworld the venture capitalist. on one i took to limit universally to pitch for investment. 0n the journey there she was nervous and spent the whole time scribbling notes on pieces of paper and using industrial language and i have not heard since working in holland and will ship yards. the receptionist said to me at the conference, i'm sorry sir, bring your daughter to work day was last week. well, you can guess the reaction. within an hour, lyra had a dozen high—powered american investors eating out of their hands. her tad talk was simply brilliant, but it was not a flash in the pan, but built up in ten years of practice. in those early days, lyra was fearless and naive in equal measures. it give her a charm that she never lost. she rang me one day and said, i'm going to dublin to see the taoiseach, would you like to

come? isaid, yes the taoiseach, would you like to come? i said, yes of course. when i enquired about the logistics, she said, i'm not sure, can you ring him and find out when he is free? i wasn't able to manage to get the taoiseach, but i have been doing a bit of work with brian lenihan and he give her ten minutes of a time. the next time i met brian he said to me, what a*, but i would rather do ten runs in the boxing ring with paisley than do that again. the current taoiseach has kindlyjoined us current taoiseach has kindlyjoined us today. when you retire the statements, check your pockets. if you have a list with bizarre and fascinating questions, you will know where it came from. it was a tough place to grow up but she always insisted that spending a night at my house was much worse. she did have a point, i have antique

taxidermy. been met by the head of a tiger mccann because nightwear is. i think that had a lot to do with her subsequent love hate relationship with her cat. everyone knows how skilled lyra was as an investigative journalist. i am skilled lyra was as an investigative journalist. iam not skilled lyra was as an investigative journalist. i am not qualified to comment. the american psychologist once postulated that it takes 10,000 hours to practice to become an expert. by the time lyra was 21, she had achieved that by interrogating herfans had achieved that by interrogating her fans and family. i had achieved that by interrogating herfans and family. i can be fun, random, scary or hilarious. some of my favourite questions when there's early years about why do protestants eat more vegetables than catholics? and do they teach you that at school? if men get so excited and pent—up watching spot, why do my

straight friends tell me they are rubbish at sex. billions may have been spent to create ai intelligence for random spots, they had to do was speak to lyra. she never stopped. she wanted an older, straight man's few unromantic situations, i was honoured to be asked but after awhile came to realise she asked the same questions to half a dozen other people, collated the feedback, ignored it all and did exactly what i had told her anyway. 0ne ignored it all and did exactly what i had told her anyway. one day she said to me, if there was one thing that i could do to be better at impressing hot women, what would that be? i told her i knew exactly what that was, that it wasn't an insta nt what that was, that it wasn't an instant fix and i would send her something to start her on that journey. the next day, my package arrived. she was relieved it wasn't something she didn't have to hide

from her mother but was disappointed to discover it was a copy of delia smith's book, how to cook. she tried but from the laughter you have just heard, ican but from the laughter you have just heard, i can tell many of us were on that journey with heard, i can tell many of us were on thatjourney with her. there were many times in her social media posts had photos of culinary projects. was that dinner at the fading members of a bonfire? irish stew or lemon pie? we could never tell. sara assures me it did get better but i remain unconvinced. lyra received herfair share of abuse, cyber bullying and trolling. but she never hit out at anyone. delia smith was almost in the end of it, though. that is why she enjoyed eating out. my cat had

called me sunday —— they accounted called me sunday —— they accounted called me sunday —— they accounted called me and asked me why my biggest expense was nando's. i hope the name al mckee can be cross— referenced the name al mckee can be cross—referenced to one of your best accounts. i was assured that this was way better than the average of four or five was way better than the average of four orfive times a was way better than the average of four or five times a year falling out with her. one of her very special friends who i'm sure it's here today, managed six times in a single week. you can neverfall out with her in person. it was always online. as a genus, she lived in a world of questions. with her friends, there were two types of questions. —— as a journalist, she lived in a word of questions. if you got it wrong, you had precisely 15 seconds before the fuse which the powder keg. lyra is the only person

i have ever met who has an excommunicated button. it never lasted long. she never bored rogers and nothing that can be put right with a hug and a nando's. lyra was a great friend. in an insert, an ideal lifestyle and a golden future were gone and i found lifestyle and a golden future were gone and ifound myself in lifestyle and a golden future were gone and i found myself in a lifestyle and a golden future were gone and ifound myself in a bad place, it was the type of event only ever found place, it was the type of event only everfound in place, it was the type of event only ever found in television dramas but it was very real and nobody was my fault but mine. i was scared, lonely and isolated. everyone i knew turned away off face the other direction. but lyra was one of two friends to sort me out. first up, it was a fun 20 minute tongue lashing as to why i could have let myself down so badly. her love always came with tough love. when lyra tells you call me she meant it. she shouted at me but

sat with me through the night so that i saw the sunrise. i would not be the strong, healthy, happy, passionate man i am today. without the help of a handful of people, lyra was one of them. call me anytime, worked both ways. she would pull me in emergencies. you have guessed it, her emergencies where as eclectic as her personality. some of them are legendary ones include lusty, i have been around this card several times and there is definitely no petrol cap. i am at a party, i have broken the tap on my last can of cider, you are an engineer, how can i get into it without losing the contents? laughter

lusty, i am talking to this cute babe, she is a bit cross eyed, how doi babe, she is a bit cross eyed, how do i know if she is eyeing me up or not? there was one real emergency, though. lyra had been to an award—winning dublin and rather than stay over, she decided to get the bus back to belfast. i got the call to say that there were no taxes at the terminus and that she couldn't walk home because she was wearing no doubt that high heels. alarm bells immediately went up. when i got there, her poor little dainty size four feet which were more used to flats, look like pigs trotters covered in tomato sauce. we safely got her home but she was not worried about the shoes, they were not hers. having young kids, my car wasn't fully loaded with kitchen roll, wet wipes, glue, toothbrushes and cleaning materials. we patch them up and the incident was never mentioned again. i don't know who she borrowed them from, but i am pretty sure you

are here today. you can see me afterwards for a refund. at times, our wonderful lyra, she could be sectarian. anyone who preferred the dc comics to those of stanley marvel was as busy as not worthy of humanity. the exception to that will was wonder woman. the only person who can give them sara run her money. she was my female and millennial consultant. in addition to the many thousands of engages had time, i have calculated that we met 300 times. many were memorable but the one particular that stands out was a sunday in april 2018. we plan

to meet for dinner at one of our regular spots but that was the occasion that lyra was actually on time. i watch through the fundamentals of project and introduced her to the alien concept of contingency. at 19:01pm she had a master plan. i told her she had been to the wrong restaurant and had not arrived early. that was the last time she was on time. but there was usually a reason. a common one, was talking to a homeless person on the side of the red. she would give them half of her dinner money, that was our lyra. i helped her with

introductions and cases but only once did i participate in her research. that was a study into the 90s and 70s in punk bands and their followers and how they were able to bridge the difference between communities. this is a time when belfast was a different and divided city. 0ur belfast was a different and divided city. our conclusion was that the success of punk had much more to do with finding commonality than it did with finding commonality than it did with bridging difference. if we were analysing lyra, she would be a new age punk. she embodied the spirit of finding commonality, enjoying the difference in others and having a conversation. in 1979, there was a song about an alternative ulster, a great song, a war cry, a glimmer of hope. a0 years later, lyra showed us what it took to live an alternative ulster, commonality, appreciation of

difference, having conversations. lyra and i often spoke about what she wanted to do with her life. her goals were always simple. to be great at whatever she did professionally. to be happy. and for those for those closer damn close to her to have the same. she had the imagination of... with lyra's passing, i believe everyone has been robbed of the talents of someone destined to become an outstanding statesman. i was fortunate to spend time with lyra on thursday, her last day. as her uncle stevie, i gave her her easter egg. she showed me pictures of the ring she had part for sara and the plans for the proposal. she made me put the dating

made diary for 2022. i was given strict instructions to wear my kilt which she always wanted to borrow. she had found something in this case great love and she wanted everyone else to have the same. as we hugged and said goodbye, lyra looked radiant. i suffer spoke of the innocent girl i met years ago and the beam and confidence of a young woman blossoming towards greatness. the last words were a tradition between us, a brief discussion as whether it was quicker to drive derry londonderry. however, her adopted home had a new name my brea kfast. adopted home had a new name my breakfast. not in my name was not a slogan but an unstoppable movement. when people die, we miss them. when

a loved ones depart, we mourn. lyra's passing has lead down that left many holes. her friends, journalism, technology, her family, sara. we can look into those holes and wonderforever sara. we can look into those holes and wonder forever what might have been a we could fill them with what should have been. my generation sang about an alternative ulster, lyra showed us how to live it. let's adopt lyra's spirit. let's put the full stats behind us and once and for all built on alternative ulster that we and our children can be proud of. let us make a lasting legacy of lyra mckee that piece. thank you. applause

they sing

# you're what i couldn't find # totally amazing mind so understanding and so kind # you're everything to me # oh, my life # is changing every day in every possible way # and oh, my dreams it's never quite as it seems

# ‘cause you're a dream to me # dream to me #0h applause

0n the 31st of march 1990, god gave the world the most precious gift, god gave as lyra. but what god didn't tell us was that we would not have her for didn't tell us was that we would not have herfor long. didn't tell us was that we would not have her for long. at least not as long as we would have liked. lyra is many things to many people. but to us, herfamily, many things to many people. but to us, her family, she many things to many people. but to us, herfamily, she is and always will be our baby. you see, our

little lyra was the youngest of my mother's six children and she was very special from the very beginning. i was 15 when she was born and i could not have been more excited to have a new baby in our family. the excitement became overflowing as my mother gave me the honour and the privilege of being lyra's godmother and being able to name her. when the good news of her birth finally arrived, i ran the whole way to the hospital. i truly —— a truly unusual event which has never been repeated. and like a magnet to its poll, i was drawn into the baby nursery and straight to the

cot of the tiniest baby i had ever seen. cot of the tiniest baby i had ever seen. as i looked down at our baby, she returned my stair and ijust knew she was ours. no one needed to tell me. it was like our souls called out to each other, brought us together, and fused as in love from that moment on. lyra is an inspiration to many people. her whole life story speaks of rising above are pushing against external challenges. in fact, above are pushing against external challenges. infact, if above are pushing against external challenges. in fact, if we were able to turn back the clock and look at her earlier life, you could be forgiven for thinking that can't be

lyra mckee, but it is. when lyra started school, she was already an anti—end when my mum had to bring her, she didn't want to go and leave her, she didn't want to go and leave her andrew. that is not very unusual for a youngster, i suppose, but if anyone had been socially minded and standing on the road at 8:30am at any given morning, you could have been forgiven for calling social services for seeing a woman walking down the road carrying a child screaming and wailing. who knew that one day she would be giving public talks, writing books and making such a lasting mark on the world. it is

just totally amazing. we are really fortu nate just totally amazing. we are really fortunate as her family to have millions of memories which we could tell you all until the stars go out, so you will be very glad to hear that i have chosen only a few which, apparently, i only have six minutes to share. we will see how we go. 0ur wee lyra start snow for the first time when she was two and it was on the night that our brother gary came home from canada. when he arrived, she immediately took to him and wouldn't leave his side. amongst many other things, he took her outside to see the falling snow. and she named it gary's snow. in fact, she named it gary's snow. in fact, she wouldn't believe two years later when we told her that it was just called snow. in true lyra fashion,

she argued against it. lyra is now well known as someone who makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets. and there is no better example of this and when she met my husband john for the first time when she was three. 0n the first night they met, for some unknown reason, alec lyra was playing with a set of blue wwf dumbbells. and she wanted to engage her new—found lifelong friend and brother in a wee game without his knowledge. you know where this is going, don't you? she tossed a dumbbell to john where this is going, don't you? she tossed a dumbbell tojohn who was caught totally u nawa re tossed a dumbbell tojohn who was

caught totally unaware in a place no man ever wants to be part with a dumbbell. and that lasting impression, not the injury, created an unbreakable bond. as the youngest, lyra was the focal point of our attention. sometimes our entertainment as well. even when she was having a wee dose on the sofa, she could enact some hilariously comedic moments that became legendary within our family. do you remember when we were constantly being bombarded by advertisements of the time life music collections on tv? well, in our house, seeing as we we re tv? well, in our house, seeing as we were only allowed to watch channel

4, were only allowed to watch channel a, because in lyra's words, i like it, a shot of the sum san francisco would act as a form of male torture to us ona would act as a form of male torture to us on a regular basis. as lyra slept and we sat in silence watching channel five, in her sleep, she began singing. if you are going to san francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair. we all looked at each other, burst out laughing, why put the child, and our brother david has never let herforget why put the child, and our brother david has never let her forget it. strangely, our nephew, david junior didn't know the story, but on tuesday, he picked a flower from didn't know the story, but on tuesday, he picked a flowerfrom his garden, gave it to his dad and asked

him to give it to antique lyra. she is now wearing that flower in her hairand is now wearing that flower in her hair and always will. lyra never gloated about any of her experiences but i didn't mean she didn't get excited. at the age of ten, she was asked to be our sister's bridesmaid. she was so excited, travelling to canada going to a wedding, being a bridesmaid, and let's face it, to be missing school. believe it or not, her excitement he then surpassed her response to the news of the two book deal, and that is saying something. although lyra was our wee brainbox, those who knew her would agree that her observational skills of normal

things were not as fine tuned as her speaking or writing skills. five yea rs speaking or writing skills. five years ago, our mum was away, our mary another sister received what has now become a very infamous phone call. lyra had been staying at home by herself for a number of days at this point and had yet to receive any of the domestic training that sarah down a side that would eventually become responsible for providing. —— sara would become responsible for providing. dishes do not wash themselves as they do in harry potter. lyra was wondering where the dishwasher was. however, what she didn't realise was that the

dishwasher they had in their previous home that they moved from two years ago hadn't survived the move. for the whole two years, lyra didn't notice the absence of the dishwasher. you can make your own judgments about that. lyra has many nieces and nephews, but they are more than that to her. they are her best friends, her brothers and sisters, and her treasures. she a lwa ys sisters, and her treasures. she always tried to make time to do something special with each of them. and always bought them presence that she couldn't always afford. no surprises there then. i would love to be able to share stories of

lyra's life with every of them, but we would have needed to bring sleeping bags rather than scarves. to even scratch the surface. everyone who knows lyra well know that she had an extra special connection with her great niece, the most photographed child in history. and she wouldn't be too happy with me ifi and she wouldn't be too happy with me if i didn't mention her here today. lyra literally adored every cell in little ava's body. the world saw them get up to all sort of antics on facebook. thankfully, we will always have these images. so our four—year—old ava will forget

her greatest auntie ever. when lyra made sara, her happiness was obvious to all. she found me, i think i've met the one! although i was truly excited for her, i advised although i was truly excited for her, iadvised her although i was truly excited for her, i advised her not to get too ahead of herself. but as most of you know, once lyra made up her mind about something there was no going back. and she went forward. my head. lyra the not just back. and she went forward. my head. lyra the notjust meet the love of her life when she met sara. she introduced me to a new sister and expanded our family circle introduced me to a new sister and expanded ourfamily circle in introduced me to a new sister and

expanded our family circle in a way we never expected. we are so pleased that lyra lived the last few months of her life happily and looking forward to her new life with sara. we know that they made each other very happy and we shared theirjoy. as spiritualists, lyra and i do not believe in an afterlife. we now beyond any doubt that the human soul is eternal. that death is not the end of life. and that's we are all welcomed into a spiritual existence after the physical death. the passing of our granny in 2005 broke

lyra's hot. —— hot. their bond was indestructible and we take great comfort in the fact that they are now together again. putting everyone else first was a key characteristic in lyra's character. and this is exemplified in her relationship with our mum. lyra and mum were like velcro, inseparable. there wasn't anything too big or too small that lyra would not do to make sure our mum got the best of everything and that all her needs were met. and she didn't care who she had to torture to ensure it. she must have found

mum at least 50 times a day, and i'm not even exaggerating. sometimes, it was simply to ask, are you 0k? as and then a follow—up call to us, are you sure you're 0k? . and sometimes, she was only upstairs. the absence of this will leave an un—fillable hole in our mother's life. the pain of the absence of our lyra, from our mums life will undoubtedly never ease. but we know that whilst a broken heart can never be mended and an empty space can never be filled, the unconditional love that they both share for each other will

continue for eternity. lyra often spoke of how proud she was of our mum for raising her single—handedly. and we should give credit to lyra's mother, our mother, for ensuring that lyra became the kindest, the gentlest, the most loving person that the world will never forget. let's face it — none of us will never be the same again. we have all been changed by the events of last thursday. we don't have double draw‘s time turner that will enable us draw‘s time turner that will enable us to change the past. but within

each of us, we have the power to create the kind of society that lyra envisioned. 0ne create the kind of society that lyra envisioned. one where labels are meaningless. 0ne envisioned. one where labels are meaningless. one word every single person is valued. 0ne meaningless. one word every single person is valued. one where every single child gets the chance to grow up single child gets the chance to grow up and to make their dreams come true. this is lyra's legacy that we must carry forward. this is the gift that god gave the world on the 31st of march, 1990. and we are all

responsible for helping god's will to be fulfilled. each and every one of us. in the words of lyra herself, we must change our own world, one piece at a time. now, let's get to work. the words of the sister of lyra mckee, and a standing ovation in the cathedral of saint and in belfast. for her, a service which began with the dean seen that leah was a person who broke down barriers and reached across boundaries, this was her whole matter in life, this is her legacy in death. her partner, sara, among the segregation. also

attending, leaders across the uk and northern ireland. now, a song from gareth dunlop, the belfast born singer and songwriter.

second reading, reading from the gospel of saintjohn. do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in god, believe also in me. in my father's house, there are many dwelling places. if it were not so, would i have to do that i go to be place for you? if i go and prepare a place for you? if i go and prepare a place for you? if i go and prepare a place for you, i will come again and ta ke place for you, i will come again and take you to myself to that when i am, there you may also be. and you know the way to the place that i am going, tommy said to him. lord, we

do not know where you are going, how can we know the way? jesus said to him,i can we know the way? jesus said to him, iam can we know the way? jesus said to him, i am the way and the truth and the life. no one comes to the father except through me. peace i leave with you, my peace i give to you. i do not give to you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled i do not let them be afraid. he rents the reading. —— here ends the reading.

noi no i speak in the nine of the living god? first of all, i want to thank

dean stephen fought for his kind invitation to give this reflection today. and also at the very gracious welcome and hospitality that i have received today in this cathedral. i have no idea what you, sara, lyra's partner, must have felt on thursday evening when those shots rang out and lyra was hit and fell to the ground. i can't begin to imagine what you lyra's mum, brothers, sisters, and the wider family circle must have gone through when sara phoned to tell you that lyra had

been shot. i can't imagine the agony of that drive to the hospital, knowing that lyra had died. many of us knowing that lyra had died. many of us here in this cathedral had been praying for you, and will continue to do so. since the story of lyra's no doubt broke on holy thursday into good friday, there has been an enormous sense of grief and solidarity with you from many people at this huge injustice. powerfully expressed by the president of ireland and taoiseach. many, many wonderful things have been said

about lyra, including the water and deserved tributes paid to her by the secretary of state and mps of all parties in the house of commons yesterday evening. in death, lyra has united people of many different backgrounds, as further evidenced by this diverse congregation at her funeral. like so many others, i couldn't believe it when i heard the seven o'clock news on good friday morning that lyra mckee had been shot dead the previous night. i had met lyra on several occasions. we keptin met lyra on several occasions. we kept in contact by phone, whatsapp,

and twitter. i would, however, kept in contact by phone, whatsapp, and twitter. iwould, however, have to confess that i wasn't aware of her great love of harry potter. i hadn't heard the term... we seem to have a problem with our feet from belfast. there, the father martin nick gill talking about his meetings with lyra mckee. he said that her death should mark a new beginning for northern ireland. he

added that politicians, northern ireland suspended power—sharing administrations work together to produce a better life for young people. among the mourners at this service, of course, those who knew lyra, her brothers and sisters, her mother, and of course her partner sara. all of whom have been referred to during this service. in the congregation, the prime minister theresa may, labour leaderjeremy corbyn, the irish taoiseach leo varadkarand corbyn, the irish taoiseach leo varadkar and the president of ireland michael d higgins. and simon cowell knee. all attending a service marking the death of a 20—year—old journalist. —— simon cave knee.

father mcgill goes on to say, i did to hope that lyra's murder can be the doorway to a new beginning. i detect a deep desire for this, he says. many talking about the influence in death that lyra has as she did in life. stephen ford saying that lyra was a person who broke down barriers, she reached across boundaries, this was her hallmark in life and this is her legacy in death. as a journalist, she pursued tooth whatever it took her. he also said that she was a child of the good friday agreement, a primary

pupil in belfast when the agreement was signed. she grew up to champion the hope that there would be a society free from the prejudices of the past. a number of leaders united during the service. leo varadkar and theresa may arriving earlier at the cathedral. the choice of venue underlining what has been said this afternoon, in life and in death, lyra mckee bringing people together in belfast. the funeral of this 29—year—old journalist, from a catholic background, taking place in a protestant cathedral. herfamily

choosing this cathedral because of its representation as a shared space ina its representation as a shared space in a divided city. let's return now, we have re—established our link and can hear more from the father martin mchale. over the years, her writing has won her much acclaim, such as her letter when she was 2a to her 1a—year—old self about growing up as 93v 1a—year—old self about growing up as gay in belfast. in 2016, atjust 25, she was acknowledged internationally as an exceptional achiever with an exciting future by forbes magazine in their under 30 list. that was because of her work as an

investigative reporter. last month, the irish times featured lyra in an article considering the ten rising stars of irish writing. her memory will also live on in her tedx talk, her uncomfortable conversations can save lives, which was about the 0rlando nightclub shooting. her book, on the murder of the river in robert bradford, a member of parliament for south belfast called title case angels with blue faces sentence case title case angels with blue faces sentence case was due title case angels with blue faces sentence case was due to be published later this year and i hope will be. lyra came to see me as part of her research on a book but she was writing which she was calling,

los boys. we met on several occasions and kept in contact. i knew absolutely nothing about living year old thomas spence and a 13—year—old john rogers who vanished ata 13—year—old john rogers who vanished at a bus stop in west belfast in november, 197a. they were both living in stjohn's parish at that time where i am presently parish priest. it was for this reason that lyra came to see me. by the time that lyra had told me their story and what she had hoped to do, she had me fully behind her. nicola, who had me fully behind her. nicola, who had just spoken a few moments ago, her sister, described lyra like a

dog with a boon when she had found something that interested her. i certainly experienced that gentle, determined, doggedness. when we exchange greetings on new year's day this year, and i wished her well in her writing but also in her search for the remains of the boys which she had already made clear to me in conversations was really important to her. and she replied to me in this way, "is that the only thing that comes out of this, it'll be worth it." it the only thing i really wa nt worth it." it the only thing i really want out of it, to find them and the others. in the course of her

investigations, lyra had discovered that other children had disappeared and she had wanted to find their bodies as well. i pray that her work on this will be taken up, but their bodies will be found. but even more importantly, that there will be no more lost boys, lost girls, lost people. when i consider lyra's determination, it strikes me that she was the embodiment of her skills motto, truth and charity. 0n good friday, the day in which christians all over the world recall the suffering and death ofjesus christ, we also wrestled with the mystery of

suffering. for you, we also wrestled with the mystery of suffering. foryou, lyra's nearest and dearest, you came to know that experience of good friday in your own lives. for those of us who followjesus, we own lives. for those of us who follow jesus, we believe own lives. for those of us who followjesus, we believe that the shedding of his innocent blood on the cross was enough, in the words of the hen, the cross has said it all. and so, we don't need any more innocent blood to be shed. the irony could not be more poignant when we consider the signing of the good friday agreement, which was about ensuring that there would be no more deaths like vera's. earlier in the service, we listen to matthew's

account of the beatitudes, which was chosen by her family account of the beatitudes, which was chosen by herfamily in remembrance of leela learning it by heart when she was a pupil at saintjim is. the beatitudes, bless it are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of god, is very timely. many of us will be praying that lyra death, in its own way, will not have been in vain and will contribute in some way to building peace here. since thursday night, we have seen the coming together of so many people in various places, and the unifying of the community against violence. i commend our political leaders for standing

together in creggan on good friday. iam together in creggan on good friday. i am however left with a question, why in gods name does it take the death of a 29—year—old women, with her whole life in front of her...

the death of a 29—year—old woman with her whole life in front of her to get to this point? as christians recall the death of jesus to get to this point? as christians recall the death ofjesus on the cross, recall the death ofjesus on the cross , we recall the death ofjesus on the cross, we remember that his death was not in vain, but was for us the doorway to eternal life. i dare to hope that lyra's murder on holy thursday evening can be the doorway toa thursday evening can be the doorway to a new beginning and i detect a deep desire for this. one of lyra's friends was reported as saying this. we have had enough. there is a younger generation coming up in town and they don't need guns in their hands. they need jobs. they need a better health service and education.

they need a life. not a gun in their hands. to those who had any part in lyra's murder, i encourage you, reflect on lyra mckee, journalist, writer, is a powerful example of the pen is mightier than the sword. i plead with you to take the road of nonviolence to achieve your political aims. it was encouraging to see those who provide a political

analysis to the organisation responsible for lyra's death chose to call off their parade on easter monday in derry following the call from a fatherjoe gormley, the parish priest in creggan, where lyra was killed. to those still intent on violence, i ask you to listen to the majority of the people of your beloved island of ireland who are calling on you to stop. i pay tribute to the courage and the determination of the women who, in a very powerful gesture of nonviolence, one by one placed their hands in blood red paint on a wall and said loudly, we are not afraid. i commend the 1a0 plus people in

creggan who have contacted the police. there is a role in many of our communities that we do not, we should not give information to police and that to do so is to become a tout —— a rule. that was one of a number of rules. rules also said it was ok to brutalise children for petty crimes, or rules that say you can live in the locality until you can live in the locality until you are told you can't. 0r rules that said that the only way we could gain freedom was by other fellow human beings losing their lives. but this week i have seen these rules turned on their head. i have seen many people stand up and condemn this culture of violence and coercive control. we need to send a very different message. and so, i

appeal to those who have information about lyra's murder, but who haven't yet come forward, to do so now. if you want to see an end to these brutal rules, and see a society built onjustice brutal rules, and see a society built on justice and fairness, on hope and not fear, then you can help build that society by letting the police know what you know. and there will be special measures put in place to ensure your safety, where you will not be intimidated by coercive controllers if you do. to the many politicians present here in this cathedral today, let me say again, those words of one of lyra's friends. the younger generation need jobs. they need a better health service and education. they need a

life, and not a service and education. they need a life, and nota gun service and education. they need a life, and not a gun put in their hands. as politicians, you will be familiar with the first report of the independent reporting commission published last october which examined in depth paramilitary style attacks and found a clear correlation between these attacks and areas of social deprivation. lyra's friend is right. in pointing out that our young people need jobs and education and training to get those jobs. all of our young and education and training to get thosejobs. all of our young people need a life that gives them an aspiration for the future. as our politicians, we need you to be working together to make that happen so working together to make that happen so that, especially for those living

in deprived areas, they will feel the peace process is working for them as well, and especially for young people living in these communities. to the press and the media, which lyra was so proud to be pa rt media, which lyra was so proud to be part of, i ask you to report on what is being done in these areas. to praise the good work where you find it and report it where it is not happening. i know you, as politicians, have a very difficult job to do. but so too did lyra. and so, iwant job to do. but so too did lyra. and so, i want to think of another valuable lesson from her life, quoting nicola again. she was like a dog with a bone when she believed she could make a difference. when it comes to our peace process, i would

love to see this dog attitude to the rebuilding of an assembly that works for the common good. as i listen to the radio every morning, all i seem to hear about, various initiatives in northern ireland are these words, without a minister, this cannot be taken forward. i pray that lyra's murder may be the catalyst needed for parties to start talking, to reform what was corrosive in previous assemblies, and to begin a new. 0n easter sunday christians all over the world celebrated the most important event of the christian year, the resurrection ofjesus. it was because of his resurrection that we believe in life beyond the grave, and in the words of today's at second reading from john 1a, in my

father's house there are many dwelling places. it is in this hope of eternal life and happiness that we gather in prayer and now, into the tender mercy of a loving god and father, i commend lyra mckee. amen.

let us pray. almighty god, we give you thanks for this life and all its blessings. for i°ys this life and all its blessings. for joys great and simple. for gifts and powers more than we deserve. for love at the heart of all your purposes, and the surpassing wisdom of all your works. for light in the world brought once in christ and shining ever through his spirit. we pray for that light to dawn on us daily, that we may always have a grateful heart and the will to love and serve to the end of our days. we

ask this in the name ofjesus christ. amen. we remember, oh lord, the slenderness of the thread which separates life from death and the suddenness with which it can be broken. help us to remember that on both sides of that division we are surrounded by your love. persuade our hearts that when those we love die, neitherwe our hearts that when those we love die, neither we nor they our hearts that when those we love die, neitherwe northey are parted from you. so, in you, lordjesus, may we find our piece and in you be united with them in the body of

christ, who has burst the bonds of death and is alive for evermore to be our saviour and there's. amen. 0h oh lord, support us all the day long of this club list life until the shades lengthen and the evening comes dash mag of his troubled life. the busy world is hushed and our work is done. then, lord, in your mercy, grant to us then, lord, in your mercy, grant to usa then, lord, in your mercy, grant to us a safe lodging, a wholly rest and your piece at the last. through jesus christ, our lord, amen. let us gather all our prayers, our emotion

and ourcare for gather all our prayers, our emotion and our care for one another in the words whichjesus and our care for one another in the words which jesus taught us all to say. 0ur father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. for thine is the into temptation, but deliver us from evil. forthine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever, amen.

music: ‘amazing grace‘.

music: ‘amazing grace‘.

music: ‘amazing grace‘.

we bow our heads in prayer. grant, 0 lord, that we who are baptised into the death of your son, jesus christ, may continually put to death our selfish desires and be buried with him. that through the grave and date of death we may come to ourjoyful resurrection to him and died and

rose again for us, our lord and saviour, jesus christ. amen. into your hands, 0 lord, we commend the soul of your servant lyra, as unto a faithful creator and most loving redeemer. we pray, fulfil and hurt the purpose of your love and death upon the cross and so bring her to the joy of your heavenly kingdom come through the merits of your son, our saviour, jesus christ. amen. to god the father, who loved us and made us accepted in the villa but, to god the son who loved us and loosed us from our sins to god the holy spirit who sheds the love of god abroad in our hearts, to the one true god we all love, be all glory for all time and all eternity and the blessing of god almighty, the father, the son and the holy spirit.

be with you and remain with you always. amen.

organ plays.

studio: so, at the service comes to an end, the departure of the additions who had to sit, it has to be said, rather uncomfortably, as father martin magill openly criticised the lack of government in stormont —— the politicians. with those stinging words which will no bet be featured tomorrow. he says, i commend those leaders for stunning together at temple nacker but i‘m left to ask what it takes the death ofa29 left to ask what it takes the death of a 29 woman to get to this point —— together at creggan. 0ur correspondent is outside the cathedral. sara, isuspect

correspondent is outside the cathedral. sara, i suspect there will be many who point back to a funeral some years ago, that of diana princess of wales, the words of her brother as a turning point and that will be the sense of the funeral today but it has been a huge event. it really has and that it will very much be the hope, that this will be some sort of turning point and as we see lyra mckee‘s comment being brought down the steps of the cathedral past a god that i know bonnet of the journalist of the national union ofjournalists —— passed a guard of honour. hundreds of people have lined the streets in belfast and it is a show of the depth of feeling, the disgust and anger that a young woman ofjust 29 yea rs, anger that a young woman ofjust 29 years, a journalist and writer, should have been shot dead while observing riots in derry last week.

there are calls for the dissident republican group who have admitted that, the new ira, to simply leave the stage, to go away and never dragged northern ireland back into its dark past. it was notjust the members of her family and its dark past. it was notjust the members of herfamily and her friends who have attended but also politicians from all of the uk and ireland‘s main political parties. politicians in northern ireland have had little to agree on it since the colla pse had little to agree on it since the collapse of the power—sharing executive in january 2017, collapse of the power—sharing executive injanuary 2017, more than two years ago. but they have come together today and joined together together today and joined together to stand in condemnation of that murder although, as you say, a sense of frustration as to why it has taken that long for that to happen. the police say they will speak shortly afterwards, the police service of northern ireland, to give us an service of northern ireland, to give us an update on how the murder investigation is going. they have arrested three people so far, two

men and a woman although all three have been released conditionally and i have asked anyone with information to come forward. thank you for now. at the family leaves the cathedral, we of course heard that there were plans for lyra to propose to her partner, sarah, just hours before she was murdered. stephen lusty saying she showed him pictures of the engagement ring. the family of course were mourning the death of a much loved member, 29—year—old lyra, and then a service where politics inevitably became part of the focus. a message, indeed, from father magill to those who had killed lyra and he said, to those who had any

pa rt and he said, to those who had any part in their murder, i encourage you to reflect on lyra mckee, journalist and writer, is a powerful example that the pen was mightier than the sword, and that is also why the national union ofjournalists are playing such an important role in this service. as we see, leo varadkar, theresa in this service. as we see, leo va radkar, theresa may, in this service. as we see, leo varadkar, theresa may, jeremy corbyn, and the president of the irish republic awaiting the departure of the family because of the words spoken will be ringing in their ears. and also the reaction of their ears. and also the reaction of the congregation who spontaneously burst into applause and stood as father magill berated them for not being prepared to stand together until 829—year—old journalist had been murdered on the streets of derry —— a 29—year—old journalist. you can see the family gathering the

cathedral for the departure of the court edge —— cortege. service marked with moments of humour and memories of young lyra, a promising young journalist who, in the words of her sister, brought joy young journalist who, in the words of her sister, broughtjoy to the family. server is outside the cathedral for us. server is outside the cathedral for us. it‘s going to be a service that many will ponder for many years, partly because of the reaction of some of the politicians who were the subject of father magill‘s words. just standing outside with the crowd, there that real feeling of

solemnity, but what happened to your can never be allowed to drag northern ireland back to those dark and violent days of the past. many of valid magill‘s would say it during the service, people nodded their heads. a realfeeling here of frustration — why has it taken what happened last week to get our politicians are talking together again pairs northern ireland has been without a devolved government for more than two years now. the feeling here is, get the politicians together, get them talking again. but a real sense of frustration. why has it ticking for this to happen? we were also hearing from her partner that lyra had planned to marry, to settle down. also, very bright future as a journalist ahead of her. i very poignant moments when

we heard lyra mckee‘s plans to propose to her partner in may in new york. there were a lot of reactions to that in the crowd. her friends says she was a promising investigative reporter, she was working on books in areas that other people would have shied away from. she was just people would have shied away from. she wasjust 29, people would have shied away from. she was just 29, those within the generalist community in northern ireland believe she had a very bright future ahead of her which has now been snatched away. the president they are talking to members of the family. theresa may and jeremy corbyn also talking before the service to members of the family and also to each other. this was something that was referred to, the fact that politicians have been brought together by lies at a time

when, frankly, politics in northern ireland is anything but together. yes, there is very little that our politicians have agreed on in more than two years without a devolved government. there have been talks, there have been talks of talks. to get them up around the table and get storm up and running again has been a real difficulty, it has already done for more than two years. but here they are at a funeral, standing together. again, a frustration that it has taken that to make it happen but a real hope as well, but this could be a real turning point. get our politicians talking together get them back at stormont. that said, a very uncomfortable moment for politicians. as you —— you could see arlene foster very uncomfortable,

then deciding she would stand with them. the question is, to people watching, will it make any difference? there is hope. we have seen difference? there is hope. we have seen politicians come together in derry last week, they came together at the jewels, they were standing together, talking. things we have not seen for quite some time. we do not seen for quite some time. we do not know what will happen. the secretary of state, karen bradley, says that she hopes to be cross— party says that she hopes to be cross—party talks. i keep saying, absolute frustration that has taken the murder of a young 29—year—old woman to get politicians together but a real feeling woman to get politicians together but a realfeeling of woman to get politicians together but a real feeling of hope that this could be some sort of turning point. michael d higgins, president of ireland, taioseach leo varadkar, other politicians, preparing to leave. it is worth noting that there

we re leave. it is worth noting that there were moments of smiles, of laughter, during the service where people remembered lyra might moments with her. particularly stephen, who was talking about the engagement ring that she had bought for her partner for that proposal. yes, very warm tributes from her family members and herfriend stephen. there is also a tribute from her sister as well. the statement from her family yesterday, they describe later mckee is a gentle soul, someone who did not ca re gentle soul, someone who did not care what background you are from, politically or religious but would just be your friend and take you at face value. they say she was someone who enjoyed a laugh and would have really enjoyed members of her family and friends attending the service today in harry potter outfits and

marvel comic outfits to reflect her interests. moments reflecting the person that she was. the magnitude of what happened and the tragedy of her murder. as we see the cortege preparing to leave, politicians will follow. interesting to see what is made of the words being spoken in that service, obviously with lyra being a journalist has surfaced up a message from the father to the media and journalists to speak out about what is happening in northern ireland at the moment. again, extraordinary that politicians would be addressed at a funeral in such a way. also extraordinary that they will together to condemn this act. some sort of impetus to them getting

together and talking. whether that actually happens or not, whether this will be the turning point, we just do not know, we willjust have to wait and see. there have been services, there have been memorial moments around the country. that is right. following lyra make keys murder last week there were the jewels in derry. there is also a vigil there at 1pm, the same time as the funeral at the cathedral here. the funeral cortege has just left, another round of applause has broken out. more and more people are joining the crowd, it has become quite a public event with numerous rounds of applause. i think that just demonstrates the real sense and depth of public feeling around this murder. northern ireland has been

the scene of so many tragic murders before. the timing of this, the fact she was such a young man, the fact we are without a devolved government. there is a lot of frustration here. it is remarkable to see the british prime minister all taking part in that round of applause. what was the mood outside like during the service? this graffito here in belfast has a capacity of around 600, but it was absolutely packed to the brim, standing room only. may be hundreds more did not want to enter the cathedral, they have been sliding here listening to the proceedings via apa. there were some very solemn moments during the readings and hymns. and of course those very

poignant tribute from her friends and family members. it is a complicated filling here, people are very sad at what happened, they do not ever want a return of that but they are frustrated with our politicians and hope things will change. and her chosen career of journalism at the national union of journalists forming that honour guard. many of those faces in the nuj guard of honour would have been a very familiar to people here in northern ireland from all sorts of media, from newspapers, television, radio. the nuj thought it was very important, later mckee was a member of the union, to come here and patriot as her coffin was brought down the steps here at the cathedral in belfast. we are waiting to hear

from the police who have said that they want to say a few words after they want to say a few words after the service after we hear what progress has been made in the hunt for those responsible in the death of lyra mckee. the service will be remembered for many years for what father martin magill said two mourners. he said her death should mark a new beginning for northern ireland. many of us will be praying that lyra‘s death, in its own way, will not have been in vain and will contribute in some way to building peace here. since thursday night, we have seen the coming together of so many people in various places, and the unifying of the community against violence. i commend our political leaders for standing together in creggan on good friday. i am, however, left with a question

— why in god‘s name does it take the death of a 29—year—old woman, with her whole life in front of her...

the death of a 29—year—old woman with a whole life and have her to get to this point. speaking at the service, lyra‘s sister, nichola corner, paid this tribute. we should give credit to lyra's mother, our mother for ensuring that lyra became the kindest, the gentlest, the most loving person that the world will never forget. let's face it— none of us will ever be the same again. introducing the service, the dean of belfast cathedral said ms mckee was a person who worked to bring people together. lyra was a person who broke down

barriers and reached across boundaries. this was her hallmark in life, and this is her legacy in death. as a journalist, she pursued truth wherever it took her, never content with the sullen silence of unanswered questions. lyra was a child of the good friday agreement. she was a primary school pupil in north belfast 0ne one of sadness and also a celebration of lyra‘s life. we have just been in the most moving of services, where people crowded and laughed. it was a very powerful servers. as a police service, we once again want to pass on our sympathy and condolence tends to

lyra‘s partner, her family sympathy and condolence tends to lyra‘s partner, herfamily and friends. she was a great person who worked hard to shine a light to recover truth. she cared passionately about issues and worked ha rd passionately about issues and worked hard and with an integrity. that is in complete contrast, complete contrast to those people who came out of the shadows last thursday night, fired shots towards police lines, hitting lyra and injuring her. i suppose the outpouring of condemnation of the communities, the politicians all standing together in creggan and with that community last friday was something that was quite unique and quite different i think. we need to capitalise on that. we believe that the evidence to bring those responsible for lyra‘s murder

is out there. we need people to have confidence in the police investigation. we understand that cooperating with the police and providing evidence can be difficult, people are scared and interfere. i wa nt to people are scared and interfere. i want to ensure people that will work with them and will be sensitive to their fears with them and will be sensitive to theirfears and with them and will be sensitive to their fears and concerns. with them and will be sensitive to theirfears and concerns. we have already engaged with the public prosecution service to make sure that people can have confidence and feel safe in coming and cooperating with the investigation. that is that piece of cooperation with the police to bring those responsible to justice. as police officers, that is important to us. but there is also something about narrowing the ground that these people walk on. there is something about the unity of purpose that we see right across the civic and political leadership, all of the main political parties standing together in condemnation of this

violence against the communities of derry and right across northern ireland. i hope as a citizen as well as chief constable that opportunity you will not be lost. we have just heard magill and his reflections talking about the responsibilty of our political leaders to step up and you take advantage of these tragic circumstances where the life of lyra, at 29 years, was so horribly cut short. so i hope that our political leaders will do just that much people will continue to stand and cooperate with the police. we have had over 1a0 people come forward and provide video footage and witness accounts. we need more of that. we believe that this murder is absolutely solvable and we want to bring that degree of closure and criminal justice to bring that degree of closure and criminaljustice to it as well, as police officers. where are we in the

investigations? what makes you confident... we have already seen things change. we have had over 1a0 people come forward and cooperate with the police, providing video footage from their mobile phones, providing witness accounts. we are talking to people everything a day. that is different. i think, in these unique circumstances, no matter who would have been killed by that bullet last thursday, this would have been equally tragic. when it another bystander, another journalist, a police officer. in these unique circumstances, we are seeing a groundswell of opinion away from violence and toward law and order, in a way that has not happened in the past. this this we need people to come forward in

the first instance and have conversations with us. we know that people may be frightened, scared, intimidated by these thugs but there is no harm in having a confidential conversation with us in the first instance. we will put every measure and place that we can for people to have the confidence to turn those conversations with us into evidence that can be provided in a protected way ina that can be provided in a protected way in a hot room and we are engage with the prosecution service around that. we are not insensitive or applying to the concerns and oodles of people coming forward. that is why we are saying — do not worry about statements, do not worry about courtrooms just yet. come forward, have a conversation, help us paint an accurate picture. we will work out how to best bring a criminal justice outcome, bring those responsible to book for this horrible murder.

i‘m not going to try and second—guess the new ira, we have seen second—guess the new ira, we have seen tragedy and tragedy in the past at their hands and yet they continue with these reckless acts. in january, outside the courthouse, that fireball went off just january, outside the courthouse, that fireball went offjust minutes after a group of teenagers what pass ona after a group of teenagers what pass on a night out. these people have no concern, not just about on a night out. these people have no concern, notjust about police officers. they will talk about the different targets and all of that but they have no concern for their own community, the only city, the people they have grown up with because they are trying to exercise control and commit these reckless a cts control and commit these reckless acts of violence against their own people in their own city. i am

confident that the evidence exists to bring those who are responsible for the murder of their key before the courts. it‘s getting that evidence into the possession of the police, in a way that the witnesses have confidence that their evidence will be dealt with sensitively and carefully a nd will be dealt with sensitively and carefully and how their concerns will be taken into account. my message today is that i want to reassure people that we are not be reckless with your information. this is not about being on a formant at organising people up, it‘s about good citizenship, respect for the rule of law and bringing to book and taking off the streets of the people who murdered lyra mckee. will there be any steps to encourage young people to step away from this violence? people to step away from this violence ? there people to step away from this violence? there is a fear that people are being brainwashed to take up people are being brainwashed to take up guns. that is a good question. we will not be found wanting and

tackling that. that action plan for tackling that. that action plan for tackling parish militarism has at its very core, a whole series of recommendations and initiatives to divert young people in particular away from any attraction of para— militarism. we think this requires a response way beyond a criminal justice and police response but we are happy to be part of that when it is appropriate. but, for the here and now, we have had a lovely 29—year—old woman robbed of her life and we have been robbed of her, she was a wonderful person. it is important that we all stand together and people have the courage to come forward , and people have the courage to come forward, to provide that evidence that we need to take the people of the streets and to prevent any more deaths and harm of this nature. that

is chief constable george hamilton saying that he is confident the evidence exists out there whose secure convictions in relation to the murder of lyra mckee. he says he believes this is absolutely solvable. also joining in believes this is absolutely solvable. alsojoining in the believes this is absolutely solvable. also joining in the calls for political unity, after a period of so much political disunity in northern ireland, let‘s go back to our corresponding outside the cathedral for us. i suspect that his what people will take away from this, that remarkable call on politicians, basically to get their act together? yes, a very unusual move for a chief constable to make such a call. especially unusual to make it outside a funeraljust moments after it ended. he also appealed for members of the community in derry where lyra mckee

was made last week to come forward. it's was made last week to come forward. it‘s fair to say that communities in derry may have been hostile to police in the past, may not have wa nted police in the past, may not have wanted to cooperate with the police. george hamilton has send that to police have seen a sea change, people are coming forward with information, they want to help get the people responsible for this murder and bring them tojustice. he talked about speaking to 1a0 people are not local community, reviewing mobile phone footage. we know that the gunman who killed lyra mckee was caught on cctv. just to put that into context a few months ago, it would have been extremely unusual, it‘s still extremely unusual now. but that shows how this murder may be changing opinions toward police in local communities. he said two people in derry, do not be frightened, we know that you might be, we know that you might have concerns in cooperating with police.

he said, you should not hide, you should come forward and start a conversation. he believes that the information that is needed to get a keen fiction is out there within that community, and the community is absolutely key to solving this murder. scotland‘s first minister, nicola sturgeon, says she wants to hold a second referendum on scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the eu. she told holyrood that she would introduce legislation soon to set the rules for another vote. but she indicated that she would need the agreement of the uk government before actually holding a referendum. we can join our scotland correspondent, james shaw. the problem of that is that westminster is unlikely to be happy

with that request? i think that is very true but you can say that this is the strongest statements that nicola sturgeon has made on the issue of a second independence referendum for at least two years. backin referendum for at least two years. back in 2017 before the general election, she was pushing quite hard and she has been since the eu referendum in 2016. but then the snp lost ground in that election, 21 of their mps at westminster and it went rather quite at that point. nicola sturgeon is back and making a very strong case for an independence referendum. if brexit happens much leaves u na nswered referendum. if brexit happens much leaves unanswered the question of what happens if there is no brexit. but if brexit happens, she says people in scotland should have a choice between that and scotland being an independent country within the european union. she says legislation in driving that should be in place by the end of the year.

she also acknowledges that the uk government has said that it does not wa nt government has said that it does not want a second independence referendum. let‘s listen to a key pa rt referendum. let‘s listen to a key part of the statement she has just made. to rush into an immediate decision before a brexit path has been determined would not allow for an informed choice to be made. however, if we are to safeguard scotland‘s interests, we cannot wait indefinitely. that is why i consider that a choice between brexit and a future for scotland as an independent european nation should be offered in the lifetime of this parliament. if scotland is taken out of the eu, the option of a referendum on independence within that timescale must be open to us. that would be our route to avoiding the worst of the damage brexit will do. of course, that intention does not mean that we should cease trying to build as much agreement on the best way forward as we can, nor should we cease our efforts to avoid any brexit at all.

we must also try in all of our actions to avoid the mistakes that have caused so much division over brexit and instead bring people together to focus on finding the common ground that does, i believe, exist between us. our aim must be to act in a completely different manner to the uk government and parliament. the fact is, presiding officer, based on the evidence of the last three years, westminster has failed. it has failed to protect scotland‘s interests, it has failed to reach a consensus and it has degenerated into utter chaos. essentially, what this means is that nicola sturgeon has put herself head with the uk government. they have made it clear that they do not want an independence referendum, she has said there must be won before 2020,

the next scottish parliamentary elections. response from other parts of the political spectrum, conservatives in scotland, saying that people here are not interested in these questions. they care about things like education. they say that nicola sturgeon has not devoted enough time to those bread—and—butter issues that people really care about, that is the conservative point of view here. then you look at people strongly in favour of independence, they would see that she is kicking the can down the road. they want an independence referendum as soon as possible, not may be some time and in the next couple of years. what are we left with? we are left with confrontation between the scottish and uk government for the foreseeable future. we are left with doubts, uncertainty, about what this means between the two governments. no one knows how that will pan out, just like we do not know what will happen with brexit.

officials in sri lanka say one of the suicide bombers, who was involved in the easter sunday attacks had studied in the uk. it‘s believed he came here in the mid—2000s and did not complete a full university degree course. eight of the nine bombers have now been identified — one of them was a woman. the death toll has risen again — more than 350 people are now known to have died in the bombings which targeted churches and tourist hotels. 0ur correspondent nick beake is in colombo. we are getting a clearer picture of what happened on easter sunday? we are, this comes predominantly from the defence minister who painted a picture of the lies of the men who killed so many people on easter sunday. he said there was also a women among the suicide bombers, he revealed that detail. he also said that one of the attackers was a man who studied at some point in the uk, believed to be in the mid to

thousands. from the uk, he then went to australia to carry on with his studies, a postgraduate course they are. we are hearing that these men we re are. we are hearing that these men were from relatively affluent, middle—class backgrounds, they were all sri lankans. what is yet to fully emerge is how they went from being in what was a pretty hard—line islamist group here, which frankly and annoyed a lot of muslim communities here, the out buddhist statues last year. how they went from bad to carrying out such a for sophisticated attack. is there a sense that things are coming down, given that there were concerns that there were other bombs around and police were very on h. ? the state of emergency continues, there will was another copy here overnight, more controlled explosions in colombo here. the police are still on the lookout for a