Hundreds at funeral of murdered Belfast girl

Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of  Belfast teenager Megan McAlorum (16) who was murdered in Belfast over the Easter…

Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of  Belfast teenager Megan McAlorum (16) who was murdered in Belfast over the Easter weekend.

Mourners packed into St Oliver Plunkett Church in the Lenadoon area for a Requiem Mass while many, including friends and former classmates at St Genevieve's school, stood outside weeping.

Megan's body was discovered in woods on the outskirts of west Belfast on Easter Monday after she had enjoyed a night out with friends.  She had suffered head injuries.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland who investigated her killing attended the service.

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A 16-year-old youth has been charged with her murder, and a man (24) has been charged with withholding information.

Father Martin Magill, in his homily, said Megan's death had touched many hearts in the tight-knit community.  He said she was very popular with everyone including staff and customers at the Glenowen Inn where she worked.

He said the hundreds of messages in the books of condolence showed how many lives had been touched by her generous and friendly personality.   He said she had an enjoyment of glamour which included using her mother's best make-up.

After the requiem mass, Megan's coffin was taken for burial to the City Cemetery.