Funeral for provisional IRA founder Billy McKee takes place in Belfast

By Q Radio News and PA

The funeral has taken place of provisional IRA founder, Billy McKee. 

The 97 year-old was one of the original Provisional IRA leaders after a split in the organisation in the 1960's. 

He was imprisoned several times including during the 1970's hunger strikes, and survived a shooting where he was hit five times. 

Billy McKee was a fierce opponent of Sinn Fein and sent messages of support to some controversial dissident groups in recent years. 

The mass was held in St.Peter's cathedral in Belfast. 

Father Michael led the service at St.Peters Cathedral in Belfast.

He says while Billy was known as a high profile republican, today's funeral mass wasn't about that:

Mr McKee's coffin was carried from the church in a gun carriage, with men wearing the military-style black berets associated with the IRA part of the procession.

A eulogy was read at a memorial garden on the Falls Road, a short distance from the church.

A mourner said: "Billy remained steadfast to the end and had no regrets, despite all the hardship that he endured for his republicanism.

"For him it was not for a new Ireland or an agreed Ireland, it was for a 32-county independent republic that was declared at the front of the General Post Office in 1916."

He was a former "Officer Commanding" of the IRA and involved with D Company of the organisation, the spokesman added.

Mr McKee was also a devout Catholic who went to Mass every day, and whose deafness meant his prayers were audible to other worshippers.

The address said: "We will remember you with pride.

"You were one in a million and a true republican to the end - unbowed, unbroken, and most of all - unrepentant."

Photo By Alan Lewis.