ROAD-crash victim Christopher O'Neill was a "deeply committed republican activist", Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said yesterday. Mr Adams attended the funeral of Mr O'Neill in Kilrea, Co Derry, yesterday and gave an oration. Mr O'Neill (22) was the chairman of the Kilrea branch of Sinn Fein. He and plumber Declan McKenna (23), who was buried on Wednesday, were killed at the weekend when Mr O'Neill's BMW crashed on Agivey Road near Kilrea. The Sinn Fein leader said their deaths had come as a "deep blow" to their families. "Two of my young nephews, teenage brothers Liam and Miceal, were killed in a car crash," he said. "Families never get over such a loss."
Mr Adams said Mr O'Neill had joined Sinn Fein at the age of 16 and was a "republican through conviction". Mr O'Neill's uncle Eugene Davey described his nephew as someone who would have "done anything for anyone no matter what time of day or night". Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and East Derry MLA John Dallat were also among the mourners.
? PROCESSION: Above, the remains of Christopher O'Neill are carried from his Kilrea home yesterday. Right, Mr O'Neill. Left, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams were among the mourners at the funeral
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Margaret McLaughlin