HUNDREDS of people lined the route in west Belfast yesterday evening as the remains of veteran republican Bobby Storey were returned to his family home.
The former Sinn Féin chairman died in hospital in England on Sunday following lung transplant surgery.
He had been in ill health for some time prior to his death.
Several hundred party members formed a guard of honour, as his remains were returned to his home in Andersonstown. Among those present was former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.
Ahead of his return, the route from his home was lined with black flags and a tricolour was flown at half mast on the Andersonstown Road.
The 66-year-old was seen as one of the party's key strategists and was a close friend and confidante of Gerry Adams.
A former IRA prisoner, who was alleged to have been the organisation's intelligence chief, Mr Storey spent more than 20 years in prison during the Troubles.
His influence is said to have played a major part in convincing grass-roots republicans to sign up to the peace process.
With Covid restrictions relaxed there is expected to be a large turnout for his funeral.
Mr Storey's remains will leave the family home in Andersonstown on Tuesday for 11am Requiem Mass in St Agnes' Church, before burial in Milltown cemetery.
He is survived by his partner Teresa, children and grandchildren.
