Hundreds attend funeral of 'Jock' Davison in Belfast

THE LARGE NUMBER of mourners who attended the funeral of Belfast republican and community activist Gerard 'Jock' Davison on Saturday 9 May were standing shoulder to shoulder with the Davison family and the working-class communities of the Markets and Short Strand areas whose causes he championed.

The 47-year-old was shot dead on Tuesday 5 May as he walked to work in the Markets Development Association when a lone gunman ambushed him.

It was through those narrow streets of the Markets area in south Belfast, that Davison's Tricolour-draped coffin, adorned with beret and gloves, was carried at the weekend. It was borne by his many friends and comrades and those who worked with him and knew the man for who he was: a defender and advocate for his community and for working-class people across the city.

Senior Sinn Féin figures such as Gerry Kelly, Seán Murray, Bobby Storey and activists such as Eibhlin Glenholmes were present, as were many others from across the broad spectrum of republican politics and the community.

After a short commemoration ceremony at the local memorial garden, the cortege made its way to Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast for burial.

On its way to Milltown, the hearse, with Davison's flag-draped coffin, passed lines of people on the Falls Road who turned out to show their respects.

● The funeral cortege pauses at the spot where Jock Davison was gunned down