Northern Ireland

Large crowd at funeral of murder victim Kieran Wylie

The coffin of murder victim Kieran Wylie is carried from his home in Lenadoon. Picture by Stephen Davison
The coffin of murder victim Kieran Wylie is carried from his home in Lenadoon. Picture by Stephen Davison The coffin of murder victim Kieran Wylie is carried from his home in Lenadoon. Picture by Stephen Davison

A large crowd gathered for the funeral of west Belfast murder victim Kieran Wylie.

The 57-year-old grandfather was shot dead in front of his two daughters on Sunday May 17.

A former member of Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH), police believe dissident republicans were responsible for the attack.

Mr Wylie had been aware for some time that he was under threat.

Two gunmen entered his Lenadoon Avenue home and shot him several times at close range in the head and chest.

Neighbours and paramedics tried to treat him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A prayer service was held yesterday outside the family's west Belfast home before his tricolour-draped coffin was carried a short distance by mourners.

Mr Wylie's daughters were among those who carried the coffin.

A banner in support of the Wylie family was placed at his home at the weekend.

The large white banner, stating 'Justice for the Wylie family', was erected outside the property with the words 'Rest in power Wylie' also written on a wall in front of the house.