Brian Black funeral: Strangford bids final farewell to former TV presenter

A Co Down village has bid a final farewell to a former television presenter.
The remains of beloved former UTV Brian Black make their way through Strangford as crowds gather to bid a final farewell to the famed conservationist after he lost his life early last week in a tragic accident.The remains of beloved former UTV Brian Black make their way through Strangford as crowds gather to bid a final farewell to the famed conservationist after he lost his life early last week in a tragic accident.
The remains of beloved former UTV Brian Black make their way through Strangford as crowds gather to bid a final farewell to the famed conservationist after he lost his life early last week in a tragic accident.

Brian Black, 77, died last week after his car entered the water at the harbour in Strangford.

Local people intervened to rescue him, but he was later pronounced dead in hospital.

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Crowds turned out in his home village on Monday afternoon to pay tribute as his hearse passed through the streets.

People spill out on to the streets in Strangford to bid a final farewell to Brian Black. (Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)People spill out on to the streets in Strangford to bid a final farewell to Brian Black. (Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)
People spill out on to the streets in Strangford to bid a final farewell to Brian Black. (Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)

Former UTV colleagues, including Jeanie Johnston, were among those who gathered and broke into spontaneous applause as his wicker coffin passed.

Much sadness was expressed at the passing of the former UTV Environment Correspondent, including by colleague Gerry Kelly who tweeted: “I am devastated to learn of the tragic death of my former UTV colleague Brian Black. May he rest in peace.”

Mr Black presented the award-winning current affairs programme, Counterpoint, before becoming UTV’s environment correspondent.