Senior republicans including former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty, North Belfast MP John Finucane and North Belfast MLA Caral Ni Chuilin were among large crowds who turned out for a final send-off for McFarlane on Tuesday.
Mr Kelly said McFarlane went on to “throw himself into local politics and community work” following his release from prison in 1997.
Delivering a united Ireland would be the “most fitting tribute” to former senior IRA man Brendan “Bik” McFarlane, mourners in Belfast have heard.
He was best known by many for having taken part in the biggest escape in UK prison history, along with Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly, who delivered the graveside oration at Milltown Cemetery.
Earlier, the street outside McFarlane’s home in the north of the city was filled while a burial service and blessing was conducted by priest Father Gary Donegan.
