Brendan ‘Benny’ Lynch, Belfast

Benny’s standing, both as a community activist and a physiotherapist, was also evident with representatives from across the community sector and the sporting world.

HUNDREDS of mourners from across the country attended the funeral of former ‘Blanketman’ Brendan ‘Benny’ Lynch who died on Sunday 5 July after a long illness.

Among the mourners were prominent Sinn Féin politicians, including deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Junior Minister Jennifer McCann, Arts & Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, and MLAs from across the North.

Many party activists also attended.

Benny’s standing, both as a community activist and a physiotherapist, was also evident with representatives from across the community sector and the sporting world.

• Benny's wife Donna carries his coffin

His work with the Falls Community Council, where he worked as an anti-drugs campaigner and on drugs awareness programmes, put him at the heart of campaigns aimed at turning young people in particular away from substance abuse.

He was renowned as a physiotherapist and worked with both GAA and soccer players over many years.

Benny was part of the backroom staff at Premier league side Cliftonville when they won back-to-back league titles in 2013 and 2014.

He also tended to injured players at his beloved Lámh Dhearg GAC at Hannahstown, in west Belfast, where his sense of humour and wit made the healing process easier.

• Former POWs Séanna Walsh and Gerry McConville drape Benny Lynch's coffin with the national flag as Martin Lynch looks on