'Peacemaker' McDaid laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners turned out on Monday morning to pay their last respects to Kevin McDaid, the Catholic community worker beaten to death by a loyalist mob a week ago.

Another man, his friend Damien Fleming, remains in hospital after being critically injured in the attack outside Mr McDaid's house in Somerset Drive, Coleraine, Co Londonderry. Nine men have since been charged in connection with the murder and attempted murder.

Father Charles Keaney praised Mr McDaid during the Requiem Mass at St John's church.

"He worked tirelessly to build bridges in this community, especially with the young. In this area he was known as 'The Peace Maker'."

Father Keaney added: "What happened last Sunday evening really was nothing to do with religion. Indeed, it was nothing to do with football.

"It was like something that would happen in the dark ages .... It was primitive, premeditated evil."

Also present at the funeral were local Presbyterian church leaders and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The attack took place after Rangers won over Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.

Police have denied allegations by Mr McDaid's family that officers did not do enough to save him.