Hundreds of mourners gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects to John George, the Belfast man whose tragic end has captured the community's heart. The 37-year-old father of two was murdered during a holiday in Alicante, Spain. His coffin was carried from the family home in the Lagmore area of west Belfast early Saturday morning, setting the somber tone for the funeral service at St Luke’s Church in Twinbrook.
Part of the procession included George’s father, Billy George; his brother, Darren; and his grandfather, Joseph Hardy, who carried the coffin with heartfelt reverence. Music played softly from a portable loudspeaker as mourners walked behind the cortege along Lagmore Avenue. The street was lined with family, friends, and community members, showing their solidarity and support for the grieving family.
The parish priest at St Luke’s, Fr Brian McCann, addressed the congregation during the funeral service, appreciating the outpouring of support for the family since John George was reported missing. “Your attendance is a source of great comfort for the family,” he stated, recognizing the “practical, emotional and espiritual support” offered to the Georges throughout this difficult time. He urged everyone to keep John’s family in their prayers, emphasizing the need for continued solidarity.
John George, also known as John Hardy, was last heard from on December 14, 2024. He was reported missing just four days later after failing to board his flight back to Northern Ireland. His disappearance concerned his family, who traveled to Spain to assist search efforts alongside friends and volunteers. The search concluded sadly when his body was discovered on January 7, 2025. Preliminary reports indicated he had been both stabbed and shot, according to the post-mortem examination conducted by Spanish authorities.
The rapid turn of events underscored the pain suffered by the George family. The family had been focused on locating John’s body and bringing him home, with Billy George expressing his heartbreak publicly. “My focus was on getting my son’s body home, so we could give him a Christian burial,” he remarked during earlier statements. John’s remains were finally returned to Northern Ireland after the post-mortem results were revealed, enabling the family to begin their mourning process.
The funeral notice published for John George poignantly captured his family's grief: “John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him.”
After the service, the remains were taken for burial at Blaris Cemetery, Lisburn, where many of his family and friends joined the final procession. Members of the volunteer K9 canine search and rescue team also attended the funeral as tribute for their efforts in searching for Mr. George and supporting the family during this harrowing time.
This tragic incident has raised questions and concerns about safety for travelers and the local authorities’ ability to protect tourists. John George’s murder has not just devastated his family, but has sent ripples through the community, calling attention to the need for increased awareness and security.
For those who knew him, the memory of John George is one of love and laughter, and Saturday's funeral served as both mourning and celebration of his spirit—reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on so many.