Sinn Féin members have been paying tribute to IRA member and republican activist Bik McFarlane following his passing on Friday.
Brendan “Bik” McFarlane, of Ardoyne in Belfast, died peacefully in hospital on 21st February following a short illness, aged 74.
McFarlane was jailed for leading the Bayardo Bar attack in 1975 on Belfast’s Shankill Road, which killed four Protestant civilians and one UVF member and injured 60 others.
He was the commander of IRA prisoners in the Maze during the 1981 hunger strike and led a famous mass escape from the prison two years later.
Donegal’s Pearse Doherty TD said Bik McFarlane was a dear friend.
He described McFarlane as a “great Republican whose commitment to Irish unity, peace and social justice was unwavering.
“I always enjoyed his company, craic agus ceol.”
“His loss will be felt by all who had the privilege to know him,” Deputy Doherty added.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said he was a “formidable, thoughtful leader”.
“Bik McFarlane lived his life in pursuit of freedom, peace and equality. It was a life well lived, a life that shaped a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” Deputy McDonald said.
Brendan McFarlane (1951 – 2025) is survived by his wife Lene and their children, Thomas, Emma and Tina.
Brendan’s burial service and blessing will take place in Belfast on Tuesday 25th February. He will be laid to rest in Milltown Cemetery.
