Ireland

Hundreds attend Dublin vigil to celebrate life of Lyra McKee

A vigil organised by the NUJ is held in Dublin for murdered journalist Lyra McKee Picture by Niall Carson/PA
A vigil organised by the NUJ is held in Dublin for murdered journalist Lyra McKee Picture by Niall Carson/PA A vigil organised by the NUJ is held in Dublin for murdered journalist Lyra McKee Picture by Niall Carson/PA

Hundreds of people turned out to Dublin's Garden of Remembrance for a vigil yesterday to celebrate the life of Lyra McKee.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) organised the vigil, which saw hundreds of Ms McKee's journalist colleagues celebrate the life of the activist, and hear music by the Dublin Gay and Lesbian choir, Gloria.

Dr Grainne Healy, co-director of the Yes Equality Campaign read Ms McKee's 'Letter to my 14-year-old self'.

Exerpts from Ms McKee's many other works were read aloud as crowds stood in silence with Pride flags and left flowers and candles around pictures of Ms McKee.

The vigil was concluded by a minute of applause.

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An NUJ statement read: "Lyra's murder on Thursday night is a devastating blow to her partner and family, and to her many friends and colleagues throughout the NUJ. We keep in our thoughts Lyra's partner Sara, her mother Joan, sisters Nichola, Mary, Joan and her brothers Gary and David.

"The union is encouraging every NUJ member to take part in a symbolic action of solidarity."

Books of condolences will also be available at the receptions in Headland House, the NUJ's London headquarters, and also in Dublin.

The NUJ has been supporting friends of Lyra who set up a GoFundMe account, as a practical act of solidarity to cover funeral expenses and to establish a legacy to mark Lyra's contribution to journalism.