McGuinness 'a remarkable man whose life was a remarkable journey', funeral in Derry told
Martin McGuinness “was a remarkable man and his life was a remarkable journey”, mourners at his funeral in Londonderry have heard.
Thousands filled the streets of the former deputy first minister’s hometown on Thursday as his coffin, draped in an Irish Tricolour, was carried on its final journey.
Mr McGuinness, who was 66, died on Tuesday from a rare heart condition.
Senior politicians including former US president Bill Clinton attended the funeral service at Long Tower church for the one-time IRA chief turned peacemaking politician.
Also in attendance was DUP leader Arlene Foster - who was applauded by the congregation as she took her seat in the church - and her predecessor Peter Robinson.
Father Michael Canny in his homily said the presence of political rivals stands as a testament to Martin McGuinness’s work.
“There are people in this church today whose presence would have been unthinkable only a generation ago,” he said.
“They have forged working relationships with Martin McGuinness; they have built friendships with him; they have occupied Stormont’s benches alongside him.
“The presence of those political rivals and opponents among you, who have come to pay their respects this afternoon, is the most eloquent testimony to the memory of Martin McGuinness.
“When you seek his monument, you – by your presence – are his monument.”
During the slow procession to the church, Martin McGuinness's coffin was carried by relatives and by members of the Sinn Fein leadership, including party president Gerry Adams and Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill.
Spontaneous applause broke out among the crowds.
Mr McGuinness's wife, Bernie, carried the coffin as it made its way along part of the route the civil rights march took on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
The former MLA's beloved Bogside neighbourhood came to a standstill as his remains were brought to St Columba's Church, led by a lone piper.
Just before the mass got under way Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams introduced President Clinton to Mr McGuinness's widow Bernie and children.
DUP leader Ms Foster took her seat to applause, while former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Irish President Michael D Higgins, former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and Secretary of State James Brokenshire were also welcomed as they attended the funeral.
Fr Canny said Martin McGuinness acknowledged that his past was divisive during conversations with the priest.
But he said the republican "never became disheartened".
Fr Canny went on: "He knew only too well how many people struggled with his IRA past.
"Republicans were not blameless, and many people right across the community find it difficult to forgive and impossible to forget.
"By any standards, Martin McGuinness was a remarkable man and his life was a remarkable journey.
"The values he had, the principles he championed are still very much alive.
"On that journey many years ago, Martin realised that the time for peace had come and he pursued the peace process with relentless energy for the rest of his days, until illness finally struck him down..
"In the course of that journey he encountered many obstacles but he remained resolute.
"In conversation he often repeated that there was no other way, we had to continually work for the building of peace and a better future for all.
"Despite many setbacks he never became disheartened."