The simple wicker coffin of John Hume is placed in the hearse to taken to his final resting place in Derry City Cemetery. P{C: BBC
Around 100 mourners attended the service to celebrate the life of Ireland’s greatest peacemakers who sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 83 at Owen More care home in the city.
Among those who attended under social distance guidelines were Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins, First and Deputy First Minister Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, former SDLP leader Mark Durkan, the current SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, and one time leading SDLP figures Brid Rodgers, Dr Joe Hendron and Alastair McDonald.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne and Justice Minister Naomi Long also attended to pay their respects.
Fr Paul Farren concelebrated the Mass along with the Bishop of Derry, the Most Rev Donald McKeown.
At the opening of the service, Bishop McKeown welcomed those present and those watching elsewhere.
He says this “is at heart a family event as they grieve the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle”.
“But I know that this is not just a local event.
“John belonged here but he also strode the world stage.
“So I also welcome those from around the world who join us on television or social media platforms to pay tribute to a son of this city.
“Many of you would have wished to be here in person.
“But that is not possible for reasons far beyond our control.
“And I want especially to acknowledge the many thousands of people from this city and from around the island who would have wanted to show publicly their esteem for John and their gratitude for what he, one of themselves, had achieved.
“Your participation today is as important for John Hume as that of the others here present.”
In his homily, Fr Paul Farren has told mourners that John Hume was like the Good Samaritan who “never passed by on the other side”.
“John never kept a distance, he stopped, he showed compassion, he got involved, he gave dignity and life to so many people.”
Fr Farren said the long-standing politician always “made peace visible for others”.
“His vision revealed what could be and with time and determination and single-mindedness and stubbornness he convinced others that peace could be a reality,” he told mourners.
“He never lost faith in peace and he never lost faith in his ability to convince others that peace was the only way.
“If ever you want to see a man who gave his life for his country, and his health, that man is John Hume.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended today’s Mass for John Hume
“In the midst of all of this, John was a proud Derry man first and foremost.
“His commitment to Derry was second to none.”
He added that Mr Hume was a faithful worshipper at the Cathedral for 10 am Mass, but said that “even if he turned up late sometimes”.
Fr Farren told mourners that Pat Hume’s place in Irish history must be recorded.
“There’s an old comment that says behind every good man there is a good woman. In Pat Hume’s case this is one quarter the truth,” he said.
“You stood beside him to love and accompany him even in the most difficult times and when his health failed and his mind got weaker you walked in front of him to lead him.
“You encircled John with love compassion and support and it was your presence that made his work possible.
“When the history of Ireland is written, if Pat Hume’s name is not beside John’s, it is an incomplete history of Ireland.
“John and Pat have secured their place in the history of Ireland.”
After Holy Communion, the beautiful rendition of Táimse im Chodladh was performed by Frank Gallagher on the flute.
He had the role of musical director for the funeral, and is a native of Derry.
An acclaimed musician, record producer and arranger, he has toured internationally with artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Andre Rieu, Sinead O’Connor and Mary Black.
Mr Gallagher was musical director at the funeral of George Best at Stormont in 2005.
He is a friend of the Hume family and his grandfather taught John Hume history at St Columb’s College in Derry.
At the end of the funeral service, Bishop McKeown gave the final commendation.
Mr Hume was led out of the cathedral to the sound of his beloved The Town I love So Well, played by his friend and fellow Derry native, Phil Coulter.
Mourners, both inside and outside the cathedral, burst into a spontaneous round of applause as John Hume’s remains in a simple wicker coffin were placed in the funeral hearse to be taken to his final resting place in Derry City Cemetery.
As the funeral cortege leaves the Cathedral grounds, a member of the Hume family winds down a window in the family car and thanks those who have gathered to clap for John Hume on his final journey.
Tags: