Heartbreaking day for Hollywood actor Liam Neeson as his mother Kitty is laid to rest - friends line the streets to pay last respects

The funeral has taken place of Catherine (Kitty) Neeson in Ballymena.
Ulster born actor Liam Neeson with his mother Kitty after he was awarded an honorary Masters degree for his services to the arts..Ulster born actor Liam Neeson with his mother Kitty after he was awarded an honorary Masters degree for his services to the arts..
Ulster born actor Liam Neeson with his mother Kitty after he was awarded an honorary Masters degree for his services to the arts..

Mourners lined the streets of her home town to pay respects to the 94-year-old who had been a much-loved cook at Saint Louis Grammar School.

Mrs Neeson, who hailed from Waterford, passed away on Saturday in Slemish Nursing Home after being ill for some months.

A family notice described her as the beloved wife of the late Barney, and mother to Elizabeth, Bernadette, Liam and Rosaleen as well as a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

The funeral service was strictly private and family members followed a cortege from Henry’s Funeral Parlour on Broughshane Street before proceeding a short distance to Ballymena Cemetery.

Around 100 people stood along the route to show support to the family.

It had been reported her actor son had hoped to make the journey from New York to attend, despite restrictions on travel caused by Covid-19.

But it appears he was unable to attend.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 -  

Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena.  Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthdayPress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 -  

Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena.  Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthday
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 - Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena. Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthday

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Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 -  

Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena.  Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthday.

Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 -  

Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena.  Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthday.

Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 9th June 2020 - Friends and relatives pictured at the funeral of Kitty Neeson in Ballymena. Catherine 'Kitty' Neeson, who was 94, passed away on Saturday at Slemish Nursing Home, the day before her son Liam's birthday. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

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