By Conor Sharkey

IVAN Barr will be remembered as "a friend, a colleague, a family man and an excellent councillor", mourners at his funeral heard.

Aged just 70, Mr Barr passed away at his Bridge Street home following a short illness.

A councillor of 23 years, Mr Barr was renowned for his work on behalf of the working men and women of Strabane.

And it was this work and dedication that formed the basis of an extremely moving tribute from Council Chief Executive Philip Faithfull during Monday's Requiem Mass.

shrewd politician

Mr Faithfull told mourners that while a gentleman of the highest order, Ivan was also "one of the most competent and shrewdest politicians that I had come across in almost 30 years in local government".

"I really do believe that Ivan could easily have gone on to do a Masters Degree in politics had he so wished, such was his knowledge and capacity to understand concepts – he often brought solutions to the table or compromises – which is very important," Mr Faithfull said.

Moving on to talk about the late Sinn Fein councillor's love for both the council and his native town, Mr Faithfull said Ivan could easily have written a book on Strabane.

"Ask Ivan a question on Strabane and I reckon he could have answered it. He could easily have been a 'Mastermind'," he said.

"He loved the town and the district and it showed in his political work – very few people show passion about their work or place. Ivan had passion.

"If you had a problem go and see Ivan. I am sure that his wife was plagued with phone calls and visits at all hours fo the day and night. But Ivan wanted to help, as all Strabane District councillors do.

"He wanted to rebuild confidence in the district, to bring new jobs and increased wealth, to help those who needed assistance and also to leave a legacy for future generations.

"Ivan Barr helped build bridges but never lost his political ideals, i regarded him as a friend, a colleague, a family man, an excellent councillor and a man who will be remembered in this district for many years to come," Mr Faithfull said.

On Monday morning, Ivan made his final journey from his Bridge Street home.

His cortege was led from his home by a lone piper and flanked by Council colleagues.

Pall bearers included Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty and councillors, members of the IRSP, local GAA clubs, community groups, the Irish language community and former comrades.

During the Requiem Mass, a reading was made by his daughter Anne Marie in Irish and others by his grandchildren.

Offertory gifts included his paintbrush, a Council plaque and artwork from his time of internment in Long Kesh.

His brother Raymond read a moving poem remembering the brother that had looked after the family after their father died at the young age of 38.

At the graveside in Melmount Cemetery, lifelong friend and comrade Liam McElhinney gave the oration.

As the coffin was lowered into the garve, former Republican prisoner, Terry Boyle sang 'The Ballad of Joe Hill.'