Thousands attend funeral of republican and IRA member Bobby Storey

Mr Storey, a former Sinn Féin chairman, was aged in his mid 60s and had been unwell for a period of time.
Mr Storey, a former Sinn Féin chairman, was aged in his mid 60s and had been unwell for a period of time. Credit: Pacemaker

Thousands of people have attended the funeral of senior republican and IRA member Bobby Storey in west Belfast.

The 64-year-old, a former Sinn Féin chairman, died last week after an unsuccessful lung transplant. 

Sinn Féin announced the death of the well-known Belfast republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey last week. Credit: Pacemaker

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, vice president Michelle O'Neill and former president Gerry Adams were among hundreds of mourners in the Andersonstown Road area on Tuesday morning as the cortege left Mr Storey's home and travelled to St Agnes' church.

The leadership of Sinn Féin had appealed for social distancing to be observed, however, large crowds gathered at the church and lined the streets.

Police maintained a low key presence in the area during proceedings.

The coffin was draped in an Irish tricolour. Credit: Pacemaker

Mr Storey was a highly influential presence within his community throughout the Troubles and subsequent peace process.

He spent more than 20 years in prison during the Troubles for charges including possession of a rifle in 1981.

As a teenager, he had been interned without charge.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald attending the funeral on Tuesday. Credit: Pacemaker

Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty were among other high-profile Sinn Féin figures who attended.

Former Sinn Féin MEP and current Foyle MLA Martina Anderson was part of a guard of honour formed for Mr Storey outside the church.

During the service Father Gary Donegan reflected on how Mr Storey had grown up in north Belfast where his family were intimidated from their home.

He also described Mr Storey as "devoted" to his partner Teresa and the delight he took in his children and grandchildren.

Following the service, the guard of honour continued for just over a mile to Milltown Cemetery where there was spontaneous applause as the procession passed.

A large crowd gathered at the republican plot in the historic graveyard where former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly were among those who helped carry the coffin.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams delivered the main oration. Credit: Pacemaker

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty described Mr Storey as an "inspirational republican leader", before deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill read the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken in his memory.

Mr Adams delivered the main oration during which he credited Mr Storey with building Sinn Fein to the size and influence it has today.

Mr Adams said that when released from jail for the final time in 1998, Mr Storey was 44 years old and had spent more than 20 years of his life in prison.

He went on to quote Mr Storey saying "a life of struggle is a life well lived", before telling those gathered that Sinn Féin was and remains "proud" of those who were involved in the IRA.

"We are proud and glad that Bob and other former IRA volunteers are part of what we are," he said.

"We are also proud of Bob and the others when they were IRA Volunteers.

Mr Adams went on to describe Mr Storey's death as a "huge political blow for republicans", adding: "There is a void in our lives."

Stormont's Health Minister has expressed concern about a potential "breakdown" in social distancing compliance following the funeral.