Mourners at the funeral of murdered Kevin McDaid today heard he was known in his community as “the peacemaker”.

In his homily at the funeral of the father-of-four, Father Charles Keaney spoke on behalf of Mr McDaid’s widow, Evelyn, to plead for no retaliation for her husband’s violent death at the hands of a loyalist mob.

There was a low key police presence as hundreds of mourners assembled at St John’s Parish Church at the top of Somerset Drive in the Heights estate in Coleraine — less than a five minute walk from where Mr McDaid was battered to death.

Neighbours stood in their doorways ahead of the funeral waiting for the coffin to be taken from the McDaid family home.

The hearse arrived shortly before 10am with a floral tribute saying ‘Best’ before Mr McDaid’s body was placed inside.

Up to 100 people sat outside the packed church throughout the service, which was attended by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein MLAs Francie Brolly and Billy Leonard, SDLP leader Mark Durkan and party colleague John Dallat.

As the floral tributes were placed on top of the grave, Mrs McDaid stared into the distance as mourners hugged her and shook her hand. She clutched family membersas her husband’s body was lowered into the ground.

Among the floral tributes was a bouquet of while lilies, carnations and roses from Mrs McDaid, which read: “A place in my heart is yours alone, A piece of love no-one can own, Deep in my heart your memory is kept, For the husband I loved and will never forget. Love from his wife Evelyn.”

Addressing the Requiem Mass, Fr Keaney said: “The Gospel words don’t seem to fit or apply to what happened last Sunday evening — how could one so abruptly and brutally be taken as Kevin was?

“How could a man kicked and battered to death on the street have time to prepare to meet his God? But, the Gospel words do apply to Kevin. In his understanding and wisdom, in the love of his family, his dedication to peace and reconciliation, Kevin McDaid was ready.

“Here was a good and modest man, hardworking, who through the 49 years of his life always tried to do what was right and best in everything. With his brother Sean, he was brought up by good and decent parents, Eddie and Maggie. With his beloved wife Evelyn he cared for his sons Lee, Ryan, Mark and wee Ryan,” Fr Keaney added.

“He worked tirelessly to build bridges in this community especially the young. In this area, he was known as the peacemaker.

“What happened last Sunday evening really was nothing to do with religion. Indeed, it was nothing to do with football. It was like something that would happen in the dark ages — it was primitive, premeditated evil.

“I join with Evelyn and the family in appealing there be no retaliation of any kind. This would only dishonour the memory of Kevin McDaid, truly a man of peace.”

Nine men have been charged in connection with Mr McDaid's murder and the attempted murder of his friend, Damien Fleming, who he was try to save from the attacking mob. Mr Fleming remains in a critical condition in hospital.