Police helicopter a grim reminder of of threat level

A battle for control of the prison wings housing dissident republicans – as part of a wider campaign increasingly Provisional IRA-like in its nature – has led to the community-spirited officer’s murder and unspeakable pain for his family.

As the 52-year-old’s wife Sharon and close relatives followed his coffin out of Woodvale Methodist Church, hundreds of onlookers stood in respectful silence while a lone piper played a lament.

Some could be heard to question why anyone else had to be killed in what should be a new era of relative peace and progress.

The poignant service was broadcast on loudspeakers to those gathered in Cambrai Street.

They heard Mr Ismay’s brother-in-law describe him as “a big man with a big heart”.

Ron Abraham praised Mr Ismay’s selfless voluntary work with a number of search and medical support bodies – including the Community Rescue Service, St John’s Ambulance and a particular fondness for providing first aid facilities at the North West 200 race meeting each year.

“If he could help people, he would,” Mr Abraham said.

Spontaneous applause broke out as Mr Abraham ended his emotional tribute.

Despite the Ismay family’s grief, they felt it important to pay their own tribute to the work of the many organisations and individuals who came to the aid of Mr Ismay, and to the close family circle, following his murder.

Through Methodist president Rev Brian Anderson they thanked the staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, NI Ambulance Service, the PSNI and the NI Prison Service and its Benevolent Fund.

Rev Anderson also said the family owed a special debt of gratitude to the many neighbours in east Belfast who “went the extra mile” to support them in their hour of need.

Mourners left the church to one of Mr Ismay’s favourite pieces of music – Highland Cathedral, played by the lone piper.