This morning at 11.00 am the NUJ family remembered one of our own.
In the world created by COVID-19, we were forced to gather on Twitter.
As I write this, hashtag #WeStandWithLyra is trending.
If you are a Twitter person, then please join in.
One year on since I wrote this about Lyra’s murder, I cannot say that my views have changed.
A few days later I posted this about the lost boys being drawn into the orbit of Dissident Republicans in the Six Counties.
Lyra called the latter “middle aged conflict junkies”.
As ever, she could drill down into the core of a complex story with forensic concision.
Here is a sample of her work.
The people who took Lyra from us one year ago today continue to provide work experience for MI5 in the Six Counties and little else.
If they cared about the people of this island, then they would do the decent thing and go away.
Lyra had so much more to give to journalism, to her friends and most of all, to her family and partner Sara.
These two stars were to be married here in Dún na nGall as Norn Iron had not caught up with that fundamental human right.
So, my thoughts today are especially with Sara.
The loss she has suffered is difficult to grasp.
Moreover, grieving in the public realm must be an added burden.
I hope today that she finds some comfort in knowing that the love of her life has not been forgotten and never will be.
Her name was Lyra.
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Your best post ever.
When you are Real , there are no blacks or whites, male or female, and the words of discrimination no longer exist. And like the Velveteen person an appreciation of what really matters ;“The Truth” is tangible .
For anyone who still hasn’t rid of “homophobia” ,do it now. Send it away. Bury it.
If not for your blog, I would not have known of Lyra , but you clearly more than admire her, Phil.
She deserves all you say .
I hope Sara and all those who grieve for her are consoled.
As I said not the blog to push your agenda there are lots of other times to do this,so have some respect, and show some decency
May she rest in peace,, a fundamental human right? You once again push your agenda using this sad story to do so, not the right time Phillip.
Absolutely the right time Phil! If we do not push, and push, and push the agenda of fundamental human rights at a time like this then what has been achieved by Lyra and those alongside her would be lost to reaction and prejudice. A great loss and truly free people condemn those responsible for her death.
So touching, so sad, can’t find one more word.
Beautiful Eulogy phil… RIP
Aye, so sad, Phil. Lyra was a young woman with her whole life in front of her – heartbreaking, even for an auld cynical bugger like me.
Respect and condolences Phil. I keep away from Twitter, but today our thoughts are on Lyra and with Sara.