A photo of the late journalist Lyra McKee has been revealed in The Reporters Bar in Belfast to celebrate International Press Freedom Day. Lyra McKee, who was only 29 years old, was tragically killed by a bullet during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18th, 2019. The New IRA took responsibility for her death. She was known not only for her journalism but also for her advocacy for women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Just before her passing, she was recognized by The Irish Times as one of the up-and-coming stars in Irish writing. The Reporters Bar, which opened its doors in 2021, is situated in the former location of many city press offices and right next to the old Belfast Telegraph building. The bar pays homage to Belfast’s publishing history with numerous photos of Northern Ireland reporters and articles framed on the walls. The photo of Lyra McKee was unveiled at a special event attended by her sister, Nichola McKee Corner, as well as Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Anne Hailes, chair of the union’s Belfast and district branch, and Ciaran Hanna from the branch. The portrait of Lyra McKee now proudly hangs on the wall at The Reporters Bar in Belfast. Kevin Cooper/Photoline captured the moment.
International Press Freedom Day was established in 1993 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate the core principles of press freedom, protect the media from attacks on their autonomy, and honor journalists who have lost their lives in service. Last year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) disclosed that 2024 had been the deadliest year for journalists since they began collecting data thirty years ago. At least 124 journalists and media workers lost their lives, with nearly two-thirds of them being Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank, according to the CPJ. The Council of Europe warned in a statement marking the 2025 press freedom day that journalists across the council’s 46 member states are facing increasing threats to their safety, integrity, and their right to inform. Maja Zaric, chair of the committee for media and information society of the Council of Europe, emphasized the importance of journalist safety, stating that it is not a privilege but a democratic necessity to defend freedom of the press.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and the safety of journalists is crucial for upholding this fundamental right. Not really sure why this matters, but it’s important to recognize the risks and challenges faced by journalists worldwide. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like we often take for granted the work that journalists do to keep us informed and hold those in power accountable. Without a free press, our democracy would suffer, and the voices of the marginalized and oppressed would go unheard. So let’s raise a glass to journalists like Lyra McKee, who dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth and justice. Let us continue to defend press freedom, not just today, but every day. Let’s make sure that journalists can do their job without fear or intimidation. Let’s stand up for the freedom of the press, because it’s not just a privilege—it’s a right worth fighting for.
