Menu
25/07/2002
Funeral takes place of murdered teenager
Mourners have attended the funeral of Catholic teenager Gerard Lawlor who was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in north Belfast at the weekend.
The funeral cortege made its way from the family home to St Gerard's Church on the Antrim Road just before lunchtime on Thursday.
The Bishop of Down and Connor, Patrick Walsh, who presided over the funeral, said the teenager's death was the result of "raw, sectarian hatred" and that the people of north Belfast were entitled to protection from paramilitary gangs.
The 19-year-old's parents, Sharon and John have appealed for no retaliation for the killing of their son. Mr Lawlor leaves behind a fiancée Siobhan Ramsbottom and his 18-month-old baby girl.
Among the mourners were Belfast Lord Mayor Alex Maskey, Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly and SDLP councillors Martin Morgan and Pat Convery. Michael Brett, whose son Gavin was murdered by the UFF almost a year ago, also attended.
Supported by a friend, Gerard's fiancée Siobhan followed the coffin, which was bedecked with a floral bouquet formed in the shape of a Celtic football top.
Mr Lawlor was making his way to his home to the Whitewell area when he was murdered by member's of the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the killing, especially those in loyalist areas, to come forward.
(MB)
The funeral cortege made its way from the family home to St Gerard's Church on the Antrim Road just before lunchtime on Thursday.
The Bishop of Down and Connor, Patrick Walsh, who presided over the funeral, said the teenager's death was the result of "raw, sectarian hatred" and that the people of north Belfast were entitled to protection from paramilitary gangs.
The 19-year-old's parents, Sharon and John have appealed for no retaliation for the killing of their son. Mr Lawlor leaves behind a fiancée Siobhan Ramsbottom and his 18-month-old baby girl.
Among the mourners were Belfast Lord Mayor Alex Maskey, Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly and SDLP councillors Martin Morgan and Pat Convery. Michael Brett, whose son Gavin was murdered by the UFF almost a year ago, also attended.
Supported by a friend, Gerard's fiancée Siobhan followed the coffin, which was bedecked with a floral bouquet formed in the shape of a Celtic football top.
Mr Lawlor was making his way to his home to the Whitewell area when he was murdered by member's of the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the killing, especially those in loyalist areas, to come forward.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
24 July 2002
Thousands gather to remember murdered Catholic
A crowd of over 5,000 people from across Northern Ireland, and the religious divide, have attended a rally in Belfast in memory of 19-year-old Gerard Lawlor who was murdered by the UFF on Sunday night.
Thousands gather to remember murdered Catholic
A crowd of over 5,000 people from across Northern Ireland, and the religious divide, have attended a rally in Belfast in memory of 19-year-old Gerard Lawlor who was murdered by the UFF on Sunday night.
29 July 2002
Hundreds turn out to remember murdered teenager
One year on, and hundreds of people gathered yesterday to mark the anniversary of the murder of Protestant teenager Gavin Brett – killed by loyalist paramilitaries in north Belfast. People from across Northern Ireland came together to remember 18-year-old Gavin who was cut down by gunfire from a passing car on the Hightown Road.
Hundreds turn out to remember murdered teenager
One year on, and hundreds of people gathered yesterday to mark the anniversary of the murder of Protestant teenager Gavin Brett – killed by loyalist paramilitaries in north Belfast. People from across Northern Ireland came together to remember 18-year-old Gavin who was cut down by gunfire from a passing car on the Hightown Road.
13 March 2009
Polish Pizza Gun Victim 'Recovering' After Surgery
On the same day as the bodies of the two soldiers shot dead in Antrim last weekend were being flown back home to England, it was announced that one of the pizza delivery men seriously injured by Real IRA gunmen during the same deadly attack is recovering well.
Polish Pizza Gun Victim 'Recovering' After Surgery
On the same day as the bodies of the two soldiers shot dead in Antrim last weekend were being flown back home to England, it was announced that one of the pizza delivery men seriously injured by Real IRA gunmen during the same deadly attack is recovering well.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
