IN FULL: PSNI opens investigation into IRA man’s funeral – ‘likely Covid breaches’

The PSNI has issued a statement after images emerged this evening of a large crowd of mourners accompanying a cortège for a dead republican.
An image of Eamonn McCourt circulated by Sinn FeinAn image of Eamonn McCourt circulated by Sinn Fein
An image of Eamonn McCourt circulated by Sinn Fein

The funeral for Eamonn McCourt, a former IRA prisoner, was held today in Londonderry, with an online notice on the deceased man’s Facebook page telling people they were welcome to come to the graveyard.

Mr McCourt had died with Covid, and his body was brought home to his family residence (in apparent defiance of advice on the issue).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As of tonight, the PSNI issued the following statement in the name of Chief Supt. Darrin Jones:

“Over the weekend, police became aware of a funeral, planned for Monday 25 January, which had the potential to draw a significant number of people.

“As a result, police engaged with representatives of the family of the deceased, the local church and local political representatives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Across these engagements, police emphasised the need for adherence to the current health protection regulations.

“As a result, police were given a number of assurances as to the conduct of the funeral, and that people would seek to pay their respects to the deceased from outside their homes rather than gather at the funeral.

“Regrettably at the funeral on Monday morning, a significant number of people gathered as part of the cortège, in a manner likely to be in breach of the health protection regulations.

“As a result, police have commenced an investigation into the matter, and where individuals are identified as potentially being in breach of the regulations, they will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor