'The most powerful 80 seconds you'll ever watch': Fr Magill challenges politicians at Lyra's funeral

Parish Priest at St John's Parish, Belfast, Father Martin J Magill commended 'the unification of our political leaders, for standing together in Creggan, on Good Friday" at Lyra McKee's funeral in Belfast today."

'The most powerful 80 seconds you'll ever watch': Fr Magill challenges politicians at Lyra's funeral

Parish Priest at St John's Parish, Belfast, Father Martin J Magill commended "the unification of our political leaders, for standing together in Creggan, on Good Friday" at

Read More:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and DUP leader Arlene Foster were in attendance.

Fr Magill continued: "I am, however, left with a question: Why, in God's name, does it take the death of a 29-year-old woman, with her whole life in front of her, to get to this point?"

The moment inspired a standing ovation from those attending Lyra's funeral, and twitter was quick to react.

Twitter user Shane called it the 'most powerful eighty seconds you will ever watch':

UTV broadcaster Frank Mitchell said Fr Martin Magill made "the most telling address this part of the world has possibly ever heard":

Another wrote that the speech made them emotional, calling it powerful and necessary:

Twitter user, Matthew, said 'Whilst the funeral of Lyra McKee should never have taken place, I truly believe this is a turning point for Northern Ireland. The words of Fr Martin have resonated with those in Northern Ireland who say #NotInOurName and it was poignant to see so many celebrate her life.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited