Veteran Strabane councillor Ivan Barr was today described as an "
outstanding man of the people" as he was laid to rest in the town.
The 70-year-old veteran Sinn Fein member died at his Bridge Street home on
Friday after a short illness — just weeks after he was offered a third term
as chairman of the district council.
Hundreds of mourners were expected to join Mr Barr's wife Judy and their
seven children for the funeral mass at St Mary's Church this morning.
Tributes today poured in from all political corners for Mr Barr, who started
his political career as a member and later chairman of the Northern Ireland
Civil Rights Association.
Ten years ago he was appointed the first Sinn Fein member to become chairman
of Strabane District Council, returning to the post in 2001, with the DUP's
Thomas Kerrigan as vice-chair.
The appointments marked only the second occasion in Northern Ireland's
history where the DUP agreed to share top positions with Sinn Fein, with Mr
Kerrigan being photographed shaking hands with Mr Barr.
Mr Barr's son Jeffrey today said the family were "overwhelmed" by the flood
of tributes and messages of support they have received over the weekend.
"What my father will be remembered for is that he was always out for the
community," he said.
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