Hume Foundation and NUJ fund Lyra McKee film screenings

THE John and Pat Hume Foundation has joined forces with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) to fund special screenings of a film about the life ofLyra McKee.

Approximately 80 women from all communities across Belfast attended a special viewing of “Lyra” at Yorkgate Movie House in Belfast on Monday.

Organised by Eileen Weir of the Shankill Women’s Centre, the screening was a one of a number made available through funding from the Foundation and NUJ.

Special screenings of the film have also been shown in other cinemas in Derry and Belfast.

The film recalls the life and death of activist Ms McKee (29) who was shot dead by the New IRA while observing a riot in Derry’s Creggan in April 2019.

Hume Foundation spokesman, Tim Attwood said the organisation, which is dedicated to the legacy of former SDLP leader and his wife Pat, was delighted to support the film.

He said the foundation wanted to ensure as many people as possible saw the film. He said Ms McKee was an “incredible young woman who was a courageous leader for peaceful change”.

Mr Attwood thanked Ms McKee’s sister, Nichola Corner, her partner, Sara Canning and the film’s producer, Alison Millar as well as the cinemas showing the film.

NUJ assistant general secretary, Séamus Dooley said the film was an “inspirational” celebration of Ms McKee’s life.

“It is fitting that so many women from diverse communities should gather together with those closest to Lyra for this very special viewing.”

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