A former SDLP councillor and civil rights activist whose funeral took place yesterday has been described as a "man of immense fortitude".
Pat McElroy (83), who served on Newry and Mourne council for 25 years, died on Friday.
Requiem Mass was celebrated at Newry Cathedral yesterday followed by burial at St Mary's cemetery.
A campaigner for civil rights, Mr McElroy was interned for 15 months in the early 1970s.
During his incarceration, a hood was placed over his head and he was thrown from a helicopter hovering a few feet from the ground.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said yesterday his contribution to the civil rights movement was "immeasurable".
"A man of immense fortitude, he faced internment and intimidation without ever wavering from his principles," he said.
"Pat could have had a quiet life with his much loved family but he saw the fundamental wrongs committed by both sides in a terrible conflict and refused to stand aside.
"He was a pillar of his own community as a bus driver and, later, an ambulance controller at Daisy Hill."
Mr McElroy is survived by his wife Bridie and son Mark.
