Mayor John Boyle and Derry and Strabane Council chief executive John Kelpie at book of condolence to Lyra McKee
He signed it along with the council’s chief executive John Kelpie just over 12 hours after the 29-year-old was shot dead by a lone gunman in Creggan.
The Mayor has spoken of his shock and sadness at what he described as the “senseless and ruthless” murder of Lyra last night on the streets of Derry
The Mayor, who is a personal friend of Lyra, said her murder last night was shocking and pointless and must be strongly condemned by everyone.
“This is a dark day for the people of Derry who have woken up to the shocking news of a senseless and violent death on its streets.
“I knew Lyra McKee very well.
“I was one of her media lecturers as part of the Headliners project some years ago and we have been in regular contact since then.
“She recently moved to Derry where she was working as a freelance journalist.
“Lyra was a bright, intelligent and articulate writer with a witty, warm and fun loving personality and her murder has sent shock waves among the entire community. My deepest condolences are extended to her family and friends at this time.”
Mayor Boyle said the Book of Condolence would provide the local community with an opportunity to express their heartfelt sympathy to Lyra’s family but also to show their total abhorrence for the continued violence on our streets.
“Lyra should have been in a generation that could grow up in a prosperous and peaceful island of Ireland,” said the Mayor.
“Her shocking murder serves as a reminder of the urgent need for us to work together to secure peace.
“I am heartbroken that senseless violence on our streets has cost the life of a wonderful person whose work and advocacy was always about making the world a better place.
“Rest In Peace Lyra.”
People come out in Creggan to show their disgust at murder of Lyra McKee last night
Meanwhile in Creggan, where Lyra lost her life, hundreds and hundreds of people have come out to show their disgust at the dissident republicans in their community who shot Lyra dead.
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