Tapestry and service in Armagh mark the 'quiet courage' shown by the women of the Troubles

It was held in Armagh’s St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, led by Dean of Armagh Shane Forster and organised by SEFF.

A new tapestry was dedicated at the cathedral, titled “The Quiet Courage”.

SEFF said in a statement that the women of the Troubles had been “the anchors of families and communities and that ultimately their contributions meant that this place did not descend into all-out civil war”.

“Mothers and wives waited through long nights for footsteps at the door,” said the group.

"Children grew up too quickly, sensing what was not said at the dinner table.

"Yet meals were still cooked. Uniforms were still pressed. Birthdays were still marked with whatever joy could be gathered.”

Some other women “stepped beyond the safety of home to become peacemakers; they organised community groups, crossed sectarian lines, held hands in public vigils, and spoke of a desire for [eace when such thoughts were considered hopeless”.

SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said that at the service on Sunday, “it was women and girls who shared the reflection, the scripture readings and the prayers and of course the unveiling of the tapestry”.

"Karen McAnerney shared a reflection of love and devotion for her brother Terence McKeever, painting a poignant picture of who he was, what he achieved, and the potential he still had to realise, beyond his youthful 29 years at the point of being murdered by the Provisional IRA,” said Mr Donaldson.

He also called for people to “build real peace, and not settle for stand-off”, adding: “For this to happen, accountability must occur: people must humble themselves in accounting for wrongs they have perpetrated against their neighbours, whether this led to death or otherwise.”