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| Journalist & author Lyra McKee
Credit:
JESS LOWE/AFP
|
This amazing journalist was shot dead whilst reporting on a riot in the Creggan neighborhood in Derry.
Northern Ireland is still inhospitable for journalists.
Lyra McKee is not the first
Northern Irish journalist to face danger while reporting - its clear things still need to change and ensure she is the last.
At the age of 29, Lyra McKee was a widely respected journalist. She had recently signed a two-book deal
with acclaimed publisher Faber & Faber. A passionate
campaigner for LGBT rights in Northern Ireland, she first wrote a letter to her teenage self about being gay this went viral and became the basis of a short film.
Lyra sought to promote a
more inclusive society, free of sectarianism, bigotry and intolerance and unrest in Northern Ireland
The New IRA have admitted to the killing of Lyra https://www.bbc. this statement from the New IRA comes after the hard-left republican
political party Saoradh - which has the support of the New IRA - had
previously sought to justify the use of violence on Thursday. Their twitter account has now been closed down.
The question is is Brexit to blame for all of this unrest? I wish Lyra was still here to help answer this.
A senseless death that could have been avoided - lets hope this is the last one for the sake of Ireland, Brexit and all Journalists.
A tribute from her mother Joan, brothers Gary and David, and sisters
Joan Hunter, Nichola Corner and Mary Crossan said:
"On Thursday 18th
April our beautiful Lyra was taken from us.
"A daughter, a sister, an aunt, a great-aunt, a partner, a niece, a
cousin, and above all, a best friend and confidante to so many of us.
"A friend to all, a gentle innocent soul who wouldn't wish ill on
anyone. Such a warm and innocent heart, she was the greatest listener,
someone who had time for everyone."
The McKee family added: "She was a smart, strong-minded woman who believed passionately in inclusivity, justice and truth.
29 is too young.. you will be missed by many
justice be done
