Slain journalist Sinn Fein chief slams Lyra McKee's killers as Derry locals turn on IRA funeral will take place on Wednesday and mourners have been asked to wear Harry Potter costumes to help 'celebrate her life'.
The 29-year-old was gunned down the Creggan area of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on Thursday night. She was shot dead during disturbances in a Republican area that are thought to have been orchestrated by the New IRA.
The killing shocked the local community and the whole of Northern Ireland with politicians condemning those who continue to try to undermine the hard-won peace in the politically divided island.
Lyra's funeral will now take place in her native Belfast.
Not only was Lyra a devoted Harry Potter fan but she had also struck up a friendship with author J.K Rowling on social media.
The pair often exchanged messages on Twitter after Rowling requested to be allowed to follow the talented journalist whose account was private.
Sinn Fein chief slams Lyra McKee's killers as Derry locals turn on IRA
On one occasion when the Harry Potter author had been targeted by online trolls Lyra jumped to her defence with a typically humorous response.
She posted: "Somebody slabberin' at you?
"Want me to kick their b******s in?"
To which Rowling replied: "I love you."
Lyra's devoted partner Sara Canning has now released details of the funeral arrangements on Facebook.
She wrote: "Lyra McKee’s funeral will take place on Wednesday at 1pm at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
"It’s going to be a celebration of her life and if people would like to wear Hufflepuff, Harry Potter, or Marvel related items I know she would love it."
Loved ones replied assuring Sara they would dress up in Lyra's memory.
One wrote: "As a Hufflepuff, I'll be there."
Another commented: "I'll channel Wonder Woman in her memory."
Award-winning reporter Lyra's murder has sparked an outpouring of grief among locals in Derry. Many have also their anger on dissident Republicans who continue to take up arms.
A message at the famous Free Derry corner landmark has been repainted with the message, 'Not in our name R.I.P Lyra' with a heart beside it.
In a touching tribute following her death one friend wrote on Facebook: "Lyra was kind, she was intelligent, she was loved, she was brave, she was empathetic.
"She was naive (in the best way), she was an innocent soul, she was a fighter for the marginalised, she was the love of one of my best friend's life.
Police CCTV shows 'Londonderry gunman open fire' on journalist Lyra McKee
"She was accomplished, she was determined, she was enthusiastic, she was a fellow Hufflepuff.
"Now she is dead!"
Two teenagers, aged 18 and 19, were arrested in connection with Lyra's killing before being released without charge on Sunday night.
