Northern Ireland

The bullet that killed Lyra McKee is still causing pain

Lyra McKee was murdered in Derry a year ago today, Saturday. PICTURE: Family handout/PA Wire
Lyra McKee was murdered in Derry a year ago today, Saturday. PICTURE: Family handout/PA Wire Lyra McKee was murdered in Derry a year ago today, Saturday. PICTURE: Family handout/PA Wire

A priest who gave the Last Rites to Lyra McKee said the bullet that killed her is still travelling and still causing pain.

Creggan parish priest, Fr Joe Gormley will dedicate this evening's 6.30pm Mass at St Mary’s church to the memory of the journalist who was shot and fatally injured a year ago today. The Mass will also be dedicated to her mother, Joan who passed away last month.

Ms McKee (29) was observing a riot in Derry’s Creggan when she was shot by a New IRA gunman who had been targeting police. The riot had broken out when police moved into the Creggan area in force to carry out a house search in the build-up to last year’s Easter republican commemorations.

Fr Gormley said Lyra’s family have told him they will follow tonight’s Mass remotely as it is broadcast by webcam from St Mary’s.

“I have been talking to Lyra’s sister, Nichola (Corner McKee) and her partner, Sara (Canning) recently. Like everything in the Troubles, the pain is continuing. The bullet that killed Lyra continues to travel and continues to cause pain in their lives.

“It continued to cause pain to Lyra’s mother, Joan and I have no doubt that, while Joan was ill, she just could not handle the death of her baby daughter; I have no doubt that Lyra’s murder hastened her mother’s death,” Fr Gormley said.

Fr Gormley said the Creggan community suffered greatly through the Troubles and because of this a Chapel of Devine Mercy was established in St Mary’s church because it was only God’s mercy which could bring healing.

“It is appropriate that Sunday is the Feast of the Devine Mercy. Violence brings more violence and healing only come through God’s mercy. That doesn’t mean we avoid justice, it means we embrace it,” Fr Gormley said.

Police revealed yesterday they believe up to 17 people were involved in the murder of Ms McKee, before, during and after her death. The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy has written a letter to the Creggan community inviting it to “reach into its conscience” and to tell police what it knows about the murder.

Former SDLP mayor of Derry and Strabane, John Boyle – who was a friend of Ms McKee – appealed to the people of Creggan to support police efforts to identify her killers.

Mr Boyle said: “Those who murdered Lyra McKee besmirched the good name and reputation of the people of Creggan. Lyra’s murderers are only interested in shredding the hopes and aspirations of the people of Derry.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Steve Aiken said Northern Ireland would only be truly peaceful when people supported police.

“It is hugely frustrating that the police have not been able to secure convictions in connection with this dreadful crime,” he said.