Northern Ireland

Funeral of Paddy O'Flaherty to take place in Belfast tomorrow

The funeral of Paddy O'Flaherty is due to take place in Belfast tomorrow. Picture by BBC
The funeral of Paddy O'Flaherty is due to take place in Belfast tomorrow. Picture by BBC The funeral of Paddy O'Flaherty is due to take place in Belfast tomorrow. Picture by BBC

THE funeral is due to take place tomorrow of renowned broadcaster Paddy O'Flaherty.

Hundreds of people are expected to gather at St Gerard's Church in Belfast to say their final farewells to the veteran BBC journalist.

Mr O'Flaherty passed away on Tuesday following a short illness, aged 73.

Warm tributes have been paid to Mr O'Flaherty, who was described as one of "nature's gentlemen" and the "embodiment of all that is best in public service broadcasting".

Not only a well-known voice on the radio, presenting and reporting on a range of BBC programmes including Good Morning Ulster and Evening Extra, he was also an accomplished musician and keen angler.

Mr O'Flaherty also worked as a journalist in The Irish News during the 1960s and 1970s, covering the early Troubles and civil rights movement for the newspaper. He also wrote the 'Pat Brady' country music column for the newspaper before moving to the BBC.

Requiem Mass for the father-of-two will be celebrated at St Gerard's Church, Antrim Road at 12.30pm followed by internment in Carnmoney Cemetery at 2pm.

Mr O'Flaherty is survived by his children Roderick and Oonagh.