Priest taking funeral of IRA boss Bobby Storey hits out at ‘keyboard warriors’

The priest who is taking IRA leader Bobby Storey’s funeral says he expects a lot of flak from “keyboard warriors” as a result – but that such critics have never truly experienced the horrors of the Troubles.
By Adam Kula
Published 29th Jun 2020, 09:13 BST
Updated 29th Jun 2020, 10:15 BST
Senior republican Bobby Storey carries Brian Keenan's coffin to his family home in New Barnsley.Senior republican Bobby Storey carries Brian Keenan's coffin to his family home in New Barnsley.
Senior republican Bobby Storey carries Brian Keenan's coffin to his family home in New Barnsley.

Gary Donegan, a 56-year-old priest who became known for trying to calm interface tensions in north Belfast over many years, was speaking ahead of a funeral mass for Mr Storey on Tuesday.

Father Donegan suggested that the violent past of Mr Storey and others lent them the “street cred” needed to enlist others in the peace process.

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He Donegan said: “I think what he wanted was to move on. What I came across with lots of these people was the fact they’d lived through it, been part of it, and they didn’t want that any more. He wanted the peace we have copper-fastened. He was always aware there were people [dissidents] lurking in the shadows.”

It was put to him that IRA victims may be upset by the spectacle of such a large funeral and the honour being shown to Mr Storey.

“I have to condemn any form of violence,” he said.

“Any situation with these people of the past when it comes to funerals, it’s going to evoke mixed emotions. Many people will be very angry towards him.”

But others feel “we wouldn’t be where we are today if he hadn’t changed his own attitude and brought along many, many others with him,” he added.

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“I know I’ll probably be the victim yet again of the keyboard warriors.

“Most keyboard warriors did not walk up and down Twaddell every night for three years. Most have not held the bodies of people who have been shot. They have never lifted a limb which has been severed from a body, and discover the weight of a limb.”

The priest – who said he had been diagnosed with PTSD – said there will be no paramilitary trappings allowed in the church.

He also said he did not believe Mr Storey had been a practising Catholic.

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Mr Storey’s coffin will leave Owenvarragh Park at 10.30am on Tuesday for 11am Mass at St Agnes’ Church, Andersonstown Road, west Belfast, and then to Milltown Cemetery.

Government guidance at present says 10 people (not including a minister/priest or funeral director) can be present, made up of close family, members of the deceased’s household or, in the absence of such people, friends can attend. The guidance also says people must stay at least two metres (six feet) apart.

This guidance may change on Monday.

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