United in grief at first heartbreaking removal

THE tiny two-centuries-old church where the coffin of Claire McCluskey was brought last night could hold barely a quarter of the mourners who gathered to pay their respects.

Some 300 others stood outside, laying wreaths at the old iron gates where a bell ringer tolled sorrowful notes from a small bell.

A marquee was erected to provide some shelter for the crowds in the chill evening as a light spattering of showers became a heavy downpour and the service was relayed outside on a public address system.