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Glenn Barr: Ex-UDA leader to be buried in Derry

Former UDA man Glenn Barr is to be buried today. Picture by Stephen Davison, Pacemaker
Former UDA man Glenn Barr is to be buried today. Picture by Stephen Davison, Pacemaker Former UDA man Glenn Barr is to be buried today. Picture by Stephen Davison, Pacemaker

A DERRY loyalist who helped bring down Northern Ireland's first power-sharing government before taking part in reconciliation projects is to be buried today.

Glenn Barr (75), who died at Altnagelvin Hospital on Tuesday, was a former 'brigadier' of the UDA in Derry and north Antrim.

His funeral service will be held at Ebrington Presbyterian Church in Derry this afternoon followed by burial at Altnagelvin Cemetery.

As de facto leader of the Ulster Workers' Council strike in 1974, he played a key role in collapsing the fledgling Sunningdale power-sharing executive.

However he later joined the Parades Commission and worked with former Fine Gael junior minister Paddy Harte for recognition for southern nationalists who fought in the First World War.

The two men were instrumental in establishing the Irish Peace Park in tribute to fallen Irish soldiers.