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Nell McCafferty changed Ireland for the better, funeral hears

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of journalist, author and campaigner, Nell McCafferty in her home town of Derry.

She died on Wednesday, aged 80, at a nursing home in Fahan, Co Donegal, following a long illness.

Ms McCafferty was a founding member of the Irish Women's Liberation Movement and an outspoken advocate for the rights of women and of those who suffered injustice.

She was from the Bogside area of Derry and her funeral mass was held at the nearby St Columba’s Church, Long Tower.

Nell McCafferty first became involved in politics during the civil rights movement

Amongst those who attended the funeral were representatives of President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Stormont's First Minister Michelle O’Neill and activist and former politician Eamonn McCann also attended.

Mr McCann spoke before the mass started, saying Nell McCafferty changed Ireland and changed it for the better.

Ms McCafferty first became involved in politics during the civil rights movement.

She was a prominent voice on women's rights, founding the Irish Women's Liberation Movement in 1970.

(L-R) Bernadette McAliskey, Lilian Seenoi-Barr and Sinead McLaughlin arriving at St Columba's Church

She worked for The Irish Times for a time and then as a freelance journalist.

Tributes have been paid to the internationally renowned author, journalist and feminist activist from across the island.

Ms MCaffrey's body was taken for a private cremation in Co Cavan following the mass.


Read more:
Journalist and campaigner Nell McCafferty dies aged 80
McCafferty family 'humbled and comforted' by tributes


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