John Hume funeral: People brought to tears by John Hume Jnr’s ‘powerful’ farewell to his father

John Hume died earlier this week after a short illness - he was 83 years-old.

Many were unable to attend the funeral in St. Eugene’s Cathedral because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The BBC, RTE and other media outlets streamed the funeral live on the Internet.

John Hume’s funeral was introduced by Bishop of Derry, Dr. Donal McKeown, who read messages sent by Pope Francis; the Dalai Lama; Prime Minsiter, Boris Johnson and U2 singer, Bono.

Mr. Hume’s son, John Jnr., read an appreciation of his father.

John Hume Jnr’s words were peppered with fond memories of his father.

“Absolutely powerful and emotional speech from John Hume’s son, John.

“The tears are flowing here. I never met the man but long admired him.

“He leaves this world a better place than the one he entered, through his work.

“Right now this feels like a personal loss. God speed, John,” tweeted one woman.

Another woman said: “That would draw tears from a stone as John Hume son sums up his late father.”

John Hume Jnr. recounted how his father’s penchant for chocolate and sweet tasting treats “singlehandedly kept the Irish chocolate making industry in business”.

John Hume is regarded by many as the man who lead the North to peace and ultimately, the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

“If Dad were here today in the fullness of his health, witnessing the current tensions in the world, he wouldn’t waste the opportunity to say a few words,” said John Jnr.

“He’d talk about our common humanity, the need to respect diversity and difference, to protect and deepen democracy, to value education, and to place nonviolence at the absolute centre.”

John Jnr. added: “From the beginning, the European Union was like a homecoming to him, bringing together diverse cultures in an interdependent relationship, allowing for unique identities while also holding a bigger picture of unified kinship.

“At this time of planetary fragility, more than ever, he would be urging that we move beyond our flag-based identities, and recognise the need to protect our common home.”

John Jnr. reflected on the love between his father and mother, Pat.

“Our mum, who loved, supported and guided him throughout his tireless work for peace, and later in his frailty, was his greatest blessing.

“As a family we will remember the man who was rooted in his community, a man who was most comfortable sitting in front of the TV, with half a dozen Crunchie bars to keep him company, and his family around him. Or the odd time holding court around the corner in the Park Bar.

“A man who ordered the same dinner in the same restaurants in Strasbourg and Greencastle for 25 years. I’m sure he’s up there now ordering his crème brulee and that awful sweet wine he loved.

“A man who loved Derry at its best, be that promoting the Candystripes across the world or the many choirs that he brought from here to Europe to sing in Brussels and Strasbourg.

“A man who didn’t need to be invited twice to lift a mic himself, and give us a blast of the Town I Love So Well or Ma Hyland, and many, many, many, more besides.

“A man who truly believed in Derry and the talents of our people, and became our greatest Ambassador to the world.”

As he reached the end of his appreciation, John Jnr., was emotional but thanked his father “for a life well lived.”