A DUP assembly member last night admitted his claim that a "major republican" funeral had been held in Co Tyrone was "inaccurate".
Christopher Stalford said that "I accept I was mistaken in that regard" after the priest who officiated at the service in Beragh described his remarks as an "absolute disgrace".
It comes after the south Belfast MLA raised questions about the funeral with Stormont deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill in the assembly chamber on Wednesday.
He said he had "been informed that last Saturday there was a major republican funeral held in Beragh in Co Tyrone" and asked Ms O'Neill: "Why do these rules, now legally enforceable with the power of the law, apply to everybody else but Sinn Féiners (sic)?"
But Monsignor Colum Curry later said the funeral of Anto Duffy was conducted in line with public health guidance and was not a republican funeral.
Mr Duffy, who was originally from Dublin, died following a battle with cancer and Requiem Mass was held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh.
His coffin was draped with an Irish tricolour during part of the procession to the church due to his involvement in the Irish Army.
Monsignor Curry said Mr Stalford's claim "portrays a certain amount of ignorance and bad manners".
"I was just taken aback. I thought somebody was either being mischievous or totally stupid," he told Belfast Live.
He said there were fewer than 25 people inside the church in line with public health guidance and "outside, social distance was very well observed".
"The family were very particular about numbers. There were less than 25 people in the church," he added.
"This man had been involved in the local football club and they provided a guard of honour.
"There were a number of people came outside the church.
"Many of them went to their cars and we had the Mass relayed into the car park."
In a statement last night, Mr Stalford admitted he was "mistaken".
"My comments were focused on suggestions that numbers gathered for the funeral may have been in breach of current Covid regulations and amongst those in attendance were at least one Sinn Féin elected representative," he said.
"However, reference to a 'major republican funeral' was inaccurate and I accept I was mistaken in that regard."
