Hundreds of mourners have gathered along Belfast's Andersonstown Road to watch as the remains of Bobby Storey left his home to go to St Agnes Church for his funeral Mass.
The former Sinn Féin chairman died in hospital in England on Sunday 21 June following lung transplant surgery.
He had been in ill health for some time prior to his death.
Following Mass at 11am, the cortege will proceed to the Republican plot at Milltown cemetery where former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is expected to deliver an oration.
Huge turn out in west Belfast for the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey pic.twitter.com/E8HYBxkuOG
— Rebecca Black (@RBlackPA) June 30, 2020
Mr Storey was seen as one of the party's key strategists and was a close friend and confidante of Mr 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 grassroots republicans to sign up to the peace process.
With Covid restrictions relaxed, there was a large turnout for his funeral.
He is survived by his partner Teresa, children and grandchildren.
Mourners watch on as Bobby Storey’s remains leave his house off the Andersonstown Road
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 30, 2020
The former leading IRA figure died on Sunday 21st June, following a period of illness.
It’s understood he was undergoing surgery in England. pic.twitter.com/UXEwZ91Aap
The funeral of Óglach Bobby Storey leaves his home in Andersonstown. A republican leader and visionary. RIP. pic.twitter.com/CLoLeQAeSJ
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) June 30, 2020