The grieving father of a Belfast man murdered in Spain carried his coffin on its final journey today.
Large crowds gathered in west Belfast to pay their respects at the funeral of John George.
The 37-year-old disappeared in December in the Alicante area. His remains were found last month.
Mourners carry the coffin of murdered Belfast man John George. Photo: Liam McBurney
Family and friends were among the mourners as his funeral took place this morning.
There were emotional scenes as the cortege left Mr George’s family home in Lagmore for the short service at St Luke’s Church in Twinbrook.
Mr George’s father Billy, his brother Darren and grandfather Joseph Hardy were among those who carried the coffin.
A crowd of mourners walked behind the cortege as it made its way along Lagmore Avenue as music played on a portable loudspeaker.
One carried a framed photograph of Mr George.
Fr Brian McCann told those gathered that their presence at the funeral was a “source of comfort and consolation” to Mr George’s family.
John George
He said the family were grateful for all the messages they have received, praising the community’s “practical, emotional and spiritual support”.
“What we are doing here today really is part of a great wave of reflection that has taken place over these last six weeks,” the priest said.
He added: “Maybe one resolution that we all can make as we gather here today is to continue to pray each day for John’s family.”
Family members, including Billy (centre) the father of murdered Belfast man John George. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
After the service, which also comprised Bible readings and prayers, the cortege moved on to Blaris Cemetery, Lisburn, where Mr George will be buried.
A funeral notice described him as a “loving son”, “devoted father” and “beloved brother”.
It added: “John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him.”
Homecoming for family of Belfast man John George found dead in Spain
His father Billy previously said his focus was on getting his son’s body home so the family could give him a Christian burial.
Mr George, a father of two, last spoke to his father on December 14 and was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight back to Northern Ireland.
His family travelled to Spain to search for him.
Members of the volunteer K9 canine search and rescue team who travelled to Spain to assist with efforts to find Mr George attended Saturday’s funeral.
Mr George’s body was discovered on January 7.
The family said the results of a post-mortem examination from the Spanish authorities revealed he was stabbed and shot.