The article covers the funeral of Thomas McFarlane, a significant figure in Irish republican history, who was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the tragic 1975 Bayardo Bar attack. Despite his controversial past, thousands attended his funeral in Milltown Cemetery, where North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly emphasized a united Ireland as McFarlane's best tribute. McFarlane's role during the 1981 hunger strike and his involvement in the Maze prison escape are noted, underscoring his complex legacy in Irish republicanism, and the non-appearance of current Sinn Fein leadership suggests historical tensions remain.
Mr Kelly's 20 minute eulogy at the graveside made no mention of specific attacks while on 'active service' with the IRA, instead saying he had lost 'a close friend and comrade' who had 'always been a busy boy' for the republican cause.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who had paid tribute to McFarlane as 'a giant of Irish republicanism', and First Minister Michelle O'Neill were not present, in what was largely a day when the old guard took centre stage.
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