Today the funeral service  of Lyra McKee takes place in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Lyra was murdered on Thursday night doing her job as a reporter.

Here is just one example of Lyra’s wonderful writing: Suicide of the Ceasefire Babies

The NUJ (National Union of Journalists)  issued the following statement.

Sara [Lyra’s partner] has asked us to convey her thanks to the NUJ for their wonderful solidarity and support, especially the members of our two Northern Ireland branches, Belfast and District and Derry and North West. We acknowledge the support of our sister unions, the ICTU, trade union councils and the various community and political groups who have joined with the NUJ, the McKee family and the courageous people of Derry in condemning the killing of our brave, talented and committed friend and comrade. Special thanks are due to the members of the LGBT+ community, North and South, for their role in saluting Lyra, someone who did so much as an activist and was a friend to so many.

There will also be a vigil in Dublin this evening remembering Lyra in her own words, and with music and song,  at 6pm at the entrance to the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square.

To coincide with Lyra’s funeral NUJ members have organised a vigil in Glasgow for 1pm at Buchanan Street Steps, Glasgow. At the same time, there will also be a vigil in London at St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street. The church has been dedicated as a place of vigil for the whole day.

The NUJ has been supporting friends of Lyra who set up a GoFundMe account, as a practical act of solidarity to cover funeral expenses and to establish a legacy to mark Lyra’s contribution to journalism.

You can donate online here – https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-lyra-mckee