Queen's Funeral: People watch Westminster Abbey service across NI

People across Northern Ireland gathered to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.

The late Queen's funeral service took place at Westminster Abbey.

Leaders from Northern Ireland's five main political parties and Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey attended the service in London.

Among those watching at home were the Sinnamon brothers, from Pomeroy, in County Tyrone, who attend Queen Elizabeth II Primary School.

Isaac is 11, Harry is eight and Daniel is seven.

"The Queen means a lot to me because my school is named after her and then she's been queen for 70 years and I was asked by the school to say a prayer on Saturday evening for her remembrance service," said Harry.

"I feel very sad because since she's been queen for so long."

Harry, Isaac and Daniel Sinnamon with a Jubilee banner

Daniel remembers celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee a few months ago.

"Every pupil made a special jubilee banner and we had a fun night with a barbecue and a jubilee cake and we planted a tree and everybody got a special book."

Isaac has been closely following events since the Queen passed away.

"I was watching Charles become king and I laid flowers at Hillsborough and I was watching on the television people paying their respects when the Queen was lying in state," he said.

The funeral was shown on big screens in several towns and cities in Northern Ireland, including at Shaftesbury Park in Carrickfergus.

Ellie Sturgess and Lin Dixon watched the funeral at Shaftsbury Park in Carrickfergus.

Ellie Sturgess and Lin Dixon were among the crowd watching it there.

"We thought it was important to be with other people and watch it together," Ellie said.

Lin said: "It is an amazing atmosphere, it is so respectful.

"A lot of life today is people watching television or watching phones, but this is a completely different atmosphere when you get very young children and a whole variety of ages."

Crowds gathered across Northern Ireland to watch the service

There was a notable international presence at Belfast City Hall where people gathered to watch the funeral of the Queen on a large screen.

Among the young people on the lawn were French high school students Shemes Navong and Lucas Florentiny, both aged 17.

Shemes and Lucas came to Belfast city hall on Monday morning to watch the service

They were on a school cultural trip to Northern Ireland and were looking forward to seeing murals and the peace walls during their trip.

They both said the funeral had become an unexpected but important part of their visit.

"It is not what we expected but it is always important to discover this part of culture," said Shemes.

Lucas, meanwhile, said it was very interesting to be part of the city hall event as news of the Queen's death was also big in France.

Oliver Thomson says it is important for him to watch the funeral, although he wished he could do so with his family in London

Oliver Thomson had just arrived in Belfast from London.

He said it was important for him to watch the funeral, although he wished he could do so with his family in London.

A solitary bell tolled at St Columb's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Londonderry as members of the congregation gathered inside to watch the funeral on a large screen above the altar.

Dean of Derry, the Reverend Raymond Stewart, said it was fitting that people joined together.

"I think we saw that last night with the silence across the country," he said.

"It was an opportunity to come together and reflect on a life of service."

People gathered in St Columb's Cathedral in Derry for the funeral

Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Graeme Stenhouse said he wanted to be there to pay tribute to the huge contribution the Queen had made to the nation.

"She's been an outstanding example to us all in her dedication to her country and her faith," he said.

Simon McGonigle was also among those who watched the service at St Columb's.

"It is a very poignant day," he told BBC Radio Foyle.

"It is emotional, a lot of tears [were] shed today. For such a poignant occasion, such an historic moment, to have the funeral shown here is quite a significant thing."

The city centre was largely deserted on Monday morning as nearly all shops and offices were closed.

Back at St Columb's Cathedral, the book of condolence remained open with an array of flowers placed around the foyer.

One message simply read: "Thank-you Ma'am for 70 years of complete dedication. You will be sorely missed."

On the outskirts of Newry, the Liggett, Graham and Truesdale families came together to watch the funeral.

For Paul and Shirley Liggett, and Paul's sister Gail Graham, the viewing almost didn't happen.

"We were supposed to go to my sister's in Rathfriland, but the electricity went off there, so fortunately we were able to have it here in Newry," said Paul.

Last week, the trio were in London to see the Queen lying-in-state.

"We flew over on Wednesday afternoon and we joined the queue at a quarter to 10 in the evening and queued for nine hours," said Shirley.

"We finally got in to Westminster Hall at 6:17 on Thursday morning. It was amazing just to be there. She was everybody's granny."

Sitting on Gail's knee was the order of service for the funeral.

"I printed it out this morning so that I could follow it along. The Queen served us for 70 years so to give her nine hours of my time to see her in State and to sit here as a family and watch her family is the least we could do."

Also in the room was Dean Truesdale. He wanted to go to London but work commitments intervened.

"It is sad to see the whole thing. She has done so much for our country. She is bringing together so many world leaders. It's the most I've seen in a long time. Maybe ever."

For the younger generation, Sarah Liggett said she "was the leader of our country so we are obviously going to watch her funeral and respect her".

"The amount of people who are actually there is quite breath taking," added Kimberley Liggett.

Small groups gathered in respectful silence in Lisburn

There was a very personal feeling to the funeral service screened at Lisburn's Market Square.

Complimentary teas and coffees were being served by the local council.

Small groups gathered in a respectful silence as the service came to an end.

Harry Doran, who was at Lisburn's Market Square for the Queen's funeral service, spent 19 years in the police reserves and Army.

"These medals I wear were all presented under the Queen's reign," he said.

"This is the last chance for me to show my loyalty towards her."

James Rea, aged 78, served in the Royal Irish Rangers for 16 years.

He said "memories" had led him to attend the Queen's funeral service screening in Lisburn.

"She was our Queen and she was head of us," he said.

"We called her the boss. You would never get better.

"She helped to bring peace, she was dedicated to get Northern Ireland back to peaceful means."

A book of condolence was opened in Galgorm Care Home

In Galgorm Care Home, County Antrim, residents gathered in the reception to watch.

The area was decked in bunting with a photograph and book of condolence beside the television.

There was a sombre mood as residents sat quietly watching.

John Hegarty broke down in tears as he talked about meeting the Queen and shaking her hand as a young boy, saying he was "very lucky".

Mr Hegarty said it "really, really meant a lot" to watch the funeral.

"It's hit me all the harder now that she's gone" - John Hegarty

He spoke about meeting the Queen when he was 10 years old at St Joseph's primary school and was told a special guest was going to pass the school.

The Queen's car stopped outside his school and he said he was "one of the lucky ones who had the privilege to shake the Queen's hand".

"It's hit me all the harder now that she's gone," he said.

He said when he heard of the Queen's death he broke down in tears.

Florence McMaster (L) and Hilda Grant (R) from Galgorm Care Home watched the service on Monday

Florence McMaster said the Queen was "a very nice lady" and that it was important to watch the service.

Speaking about the funeral, Hilda Grant said it was "very peaceful and very well done".

Ms Grant said that the Queen was a "very lovely lady and very pleasant", and she liked hearing about her.

She added that she "just has happy memories of her" now.