Funeral details announced for former loyalist terror leader Andy Tyrie
The funeral of a former loyalist paramilitary leader will take place in Dundonald tomorrow morning following his death at the weekend.
Andy Tyrie, who was 85, was one of the most prominent figures from the early years of the UDA.
He led the terror group from 1973 until 1988, when an attempt on his life led to him quitting.
Tyrie stepped away from politics and the public spotlight some time ago.
His tinted glasses and thick moustache made him a recognisable figure during the 1970s and 1980s.
It is understood Tyrie had been ill for some time.
A funeral notice confirmed his funeral will take place in Dundonald Presbyterian Church at 11am tomorrow.
The notice added he 'passed away peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his loving family'.
"Cherished Husband of Agnes and much loved Dad of Dorothy (Cole), Andrew (Ann) and Linda (John),' it added.
'A very special Granda and Great Granda.
"At home with the Lord.'
Following the announcement of his death at the weekend, tributes were paid to Tyrie.
Andy Tyrie
Peter Osborne, who chaired the Community Relations Council, posted on X: 'In the years that I knew him Andy Tyrie was an advocate for tolerance, reconciliation, and on those issues that particularly affect working class communities. Sorry to see this. Condolences to his family.'
His name had featured on a loyalist museum in east Belfast.
The Loyalist Conflict Museum opened its doors in 2012, and was originally called The Andy Tyrie Interpretive Centre.
Tyrie's first involvement in loyalist paramilitary activity came with the UVF in the late 1960s, before he switched to the UDA.
Soon Tyrie became a UDA officer in the Shankill Road area, and was appointed leader in 1973 after the murder of Tommy Herron.
Although not convicted of any paramilitary activity, under his leadership the UDA was widely involved in terrorism.
According to the Sutton database of deaths at Ulster University's Cain project, the UDA/UFF was responsible for 260 killings during the Troubles. Most (208) of its victims were civilians, predominantly Catholics.
However, Tyrie encouraged the organisation to embrace politics through the establishment of the New Ulster Political Research Group (NUPRG).
He was involved in organising the Ulster Workers' Council strike, which brought down the old power-sharing government.
In March 1988, Tyrie narrowly avoided death from a car bomb. No-one admitted responsibility for the failed attack, but Tyrie believed it was carried out by potential successors within the UDA.
He quit as leader days later and went on to sever all links with the organisation.
Tyrie backed the Ulster Democratic Party's campaign in favour of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
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