Massive show of respect for Ardoyne republican Margaret McClenaghan

» Peadar Whelan

Senior republicans such as Gerry Kelly, Seán Murray, Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane, Bairbre de Brún, Sue Ramsey and Mairtín Ó Muilleoir as well as many sitting and former Sinn Féin councillors acted as pall bearers, carrying Margaret’s coffin which was flanked by a republican guard of honour.

MANY HUNDREDS of republicans attended the funeral on Friday 4 October of Ardoyne republican stalwart Margaret McClenaghan, who died earlier in the week.

As her cortege, with her coffin draped in both the Tricolour and the Cumann na mBan standard, made its journey from her sister Maria’s house to Holy Cross Church for Requiem Mass, neighbours lined the streets to show their respect for a woman who epitomised the strength and resilience of the area.

Senior republicans such as Gerry Kelly, Seán Murray, Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane, Bairbre de Brún, Sue Ramsey and Mairtín Ó Muilleoir as well as many sitting and former Sinn Féin councillors acted as pall bearers, carrying Margaret’s coffin which was flanked by a republican guard of honour.

After Mass, during which Fr Gary Donegan delivered a homily in praise of Margaret, the cortege made its way to Belfast’s City Cemetery, where the former POW was interred.

Liam Shannon from the National Graves Association, of which Margaret was a member, and  north Belfast republican John McGrillen presented the Tricolour to Margaret’s long-time partner, Jimmy Mullen.

In an emotional farewell to a friend and comrade, Gerry Kelly MLA gave the graveside oration.

He praised her strength and courage and spoke of how she was “always there” when she was needed.

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