Funeral for veteran RTÉ journalist held in County Sligo

Tommie Gorman worked at the broadcaster for more than 40 years and retired from RTÉ in April 2021

The funeral of the former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman has taken place in County Sligo.

The broadcaster and author died on Tuesday at the age of 68, after a long battle with cancer.

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris was in attendance along with First Minister Michelle O'Neill, and former Sinn Féin and DUP leaders Gerry Adams and Arlene Foster.

Mr Gorman worked at RTÉ for more than 40 years and retired from RTÉ in April 2021.

At the time of his retirement, Mr Gorman was the broadcaster's northern editor.

The funeral mass was held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Ransboro, near Strandhill.

'Gentle bridges'

Former DUP leaders Arlene Foster and Peter Robinson were among the mourners at the service in County Sligo

Speaking to RTÉ ahead of the service, Mr Adams said Mr Gorman had built "gentle" bridges between both sides of the conflict during his time working in Northern Ireland

"He got frustrated and of course, sometimes he drove many republicans mad but he just loved the way the process could move from conflict to killing to relative peace and he helped get both sides talking," he said.

Mr Adams also said that he and Ms Foster both got to know the broadcaster well without it affecting his journalistic integrity.

The former Sinn Féin leader also praised the way he dealt with his cancer diagnosis and helped many more to do the same.

Sligo Rovers players lined up as his coffin was brought into Our Lady Star of the Sea Church

Mr Gorman was a supporter of football club Sligo Rovers and players lined up as his coffin was carried into Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.

His wife Ceara, son Joe and daughter Moya accompanied the hearse and the club formed a guard of honour and joined the cortege to walk to the church.