HUNDREDS of mourners turned out in the driving rain to pay their final respects to the community activist Ms Joyce McCartan, who died on Monday night and was buried yesterday in Milltown cemetery, Belfast.
The officiating priest at Requiem Mass in St Malachy's Church described Ms McCartan as a larger than life figure who had deep conviction and a strong sense of community.
Father Anthony Curran said it was the death of her son Gary, murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1987, which particularly galvanised her into vigorously campaigning on behalf of the local and the wider community in Northern Ireland.
Dr Joe Hendron of the SDLP, MP for West Belfast, said that Ms McCartan would never be forgotten for her services to the Lower Ormeau area, to the city of Belfast and Northern Ireland. As a community activist she worked to end sectarianism, create employment and build up a network of women's drop in centres.
Since her death, tributes had poured into the McCartan home in Lower Ormeau Road, including messages from Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton and British government ministers.
Ms McCartan's daughter, Ms Rosario Lavelle, said the family had been moved and honoured to receive all the messages of condolence. "It's comforting to known so many people thought so well of her, and we also appreciate the recognition that has been given to her work," she said.
Terence McCartan, a nephew of Ms McCartan, was released from prison on compassionate bail to attend the funeral.
