TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Lyra McKee, one year on from her murder.
The 29-year-old journalist was shot and killed in the Creggan area of Londonderry by the New IRA while observing clashes between dissident republican group and police.
On the first anniversary of her death, colleagues, friends and prominent figures have come together on Twitter to play tribute to McKee using the hashtag #WeStandWithLyra.
"As we remember Lyra today, and think of her partner and family, we also think of journalists elsewhere who put their lives on the line when they get up and go to work each day." Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary #WeStandWithLyra pic.twitter.com/qyiS1E5asY
— NUJ (@NUJofficial) April 18, 2020
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) led the campaign celebrating McKee's life and contribution.
"Lyra had an unrivalled zest for life and for living," NUJ Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley said.
"That is what makes her senseless killing so cruel. In her journalism she combined her passion for journalism with a deep commitment to social change."
Today is the first anniversary of the killing of Lyra McKee.
We at Here NI are thinking of her partner Sara, her family and friends. We are also remembering our own relationships with Lyra. We miss you, but we're still hanging in, kid.
🏳️🌈💛🖤#WeStandWithLyra pic.twitter.com/h6naSgGtHE— Here (@Here_NI) April 18, 2020
HERe NI, a charity that works on a regional basis to improve the quality of life for lesbian and bisexual women and their families, also paid tribute.
"Today is the first anniversary of the killing of Lyra McKee," they wrote.
"We at Here NI are thinking of her partner Sara, her family and friends. We are also remembering our own relationships with Lyra. We miss you, but we're still hanging in, kid.
Remembering Lyra & her powerful legacy. Thank you @kathrynjohnston for beautiful tribute on this toughest of days for Lyra’s family, partner, friends & @NUJofficial colleagues #WeStandWithLyra https://t.co/dcTaNBsyeb
— Gail Walker (@GWalker9) April 18, 2020
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: "As we remember Lyra today, and think of her partner and family, we also think of journalists elsewhere who put their lives on the line when they get up and go to work each day."
Gail Walker, the editor of the Belfast Telegraph wrote: My friend Lyra always wanted to make the news, not be the news. So often over past year I’ve gone to call her to write for @BelTel then remembered she’s not there. An amazingly talented writer & so lovely, kind, funny & missed. Thoughts with her family & partner."
Today marks the first anniversary of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. She was killed doing her job, and was a tireless campaigner for justice and equality. Today is a day to honour her memory and champion all that she stood for. #WeStandWithLyra
— Jo Stevens (@JoStevensLabour) April 18, 2020
Labour MP Jo Stevens said: "Today marks the first anniversary of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. She was killed doing her job, and was a tireless campaigner for justice and equality. Today is a day to honour her memory and champion all that she stood for."
Fellow Irish journalist Leona O’Neill meanwhile simply wrote: “Never forgotten”.
On the first anniversary of Lyra McKee’s death, my thoughts are with her family, friends, fellow journalists and all who loved her.#WeStandWithLyra #lyra pic.twitter.com/i12Vy9oFxr
— Patrick Corrigan (@PatrickCorrigan) April 18, 2020
Amnesty's Head of Nations & Regions Patrick Corrigan also paid tribute: "On the first anniversary of Lyra McKee’s death, my thoughts are with her family, friends, fellow journalists and all who loved her."
One of the most powerful tweets came from the Commissioner for Human Rights, who demanded justice for Lyra.
Today marks one year since the killing of journalist Lyra McKee. The authorities need to bring the perpetrators to justice and #ProtectJournalists esp. those covering organised crime, paramilitary activities and legacy issues, from threats in #NorthernIreland #WeStandWithLyra
— Commissioner for Human Rights (@CommissionerHR) April 18, 2020
They wrote: "Today marks one year since the killing of journalist Lyra McKee. The authorities need to bring the perpetrators to justice and #ProtectJournalists esp. those covering organised crime, paramilitary activities and legacy issues, from threats in #NorthernIreland #WeStandWithLyra"
