17 February 2005 Edition

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Margaret McKenna

Margaret McKenna at the opening of the new mid-Ulster Sinn Féin centre last year

Margaret McKenna at the opening of the new mid-Ulster Sinn Féin centre last year

The funeral of former Sinn Féin Councillor Margaret McKenna took place on Wednesday 9 February. Margaret's remains, draped in the National flag, left her home in the townland of Ballymacpeake before proceeding to St Mary's Church, Lavey, County Derry, for Requiem Mass and burial in the adjoining cemetery.

The high esteem in which Margaret was held by her local community and by republicans was evident by the large number of people in attendance. The Sinn Féin leadership was represented by Martin McGuinness MP, Bairbre de Brún MEP, Dodie McGuinness and Declan Kearney.

In his homily, Fr Brian O'Donnell said that in terms of Margaret's public life, her family life and her faith, one word described Margaret — dedicated. For everyone in the congregation who knew Margaret as a loving sister and aunt, a good friend and neighbour, a public representative or as a comrade in struggle, that one word was most appropriate.

Margaret, a quiet and private person who held strong opinions and beliefs, made an immense contribution to the republican struggle and the development of her local community. In the early 1970s she helped organise the Fergal O'Hanlon Sinn Féin Cumann in Lavey and in the aftermath of the 1981 Hunger Strike, Margaret played a pivotal role in the re-organisation of the party in Derry and Antrim.

Having been employed in the public sector, Margaret always ensured a high standard of administration and professionalism when carrying out her role as Director of Canvass in key electoral contests and as Secretary of the Comhairle Ceantair — a post she held for many years up until her election as a member of Magherafelt District Council in 1993.

During her two terms as a councillor, before stepping down to care for her elderly mother in 2001, Margaret worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents. She particularly enjoyed her work on the Magherafelt Arts Society and developed good relationships with many people from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions while working on festival programmes.

But it was for Margaret's tireless campaigning for better services and play provision, as well as road safety measures for the residents of rural housing estates, that she will be best remembered by constituents.

Leadership

Dodie McGuinness, in a graveside oration, recalled the leadership given by Margaret during the course of the brutal onslaught against republicans in South Derry and North Antrim in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when her friends and comrades — Sinn Féin Councillors John Davey and Bernard O'Hagan, as well as party activist Tom Donaghy — were murdered by unionist paramilitaries working in direct collusion with British State forces. Margaret had shown great courage and leadership by standing alongside Pauline Davey Kennedy as a Sinn Féin candidate in the local government elections in 1989, a few months after the murder of Pauline's father John.

While Margaret was a serious political activist, she also had a tremendous sense of fun and loved nothing more than a good night out with her friends Sheila, Mary and Nuala, who she would accompany to dances and cultural events all over the country. She particularly enjoyed a good discussion regarding the social topics of the day.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, in a letter extending sympathy to Margaret's family, described her as "a true patriot and a sound republican", sentiments shared by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and valuing her comradeship.

Sympathy is extended to Margaret's sisters and brothers, Dolores, Maureen, Betty, Rose, Eileen, Hensie, Hugh and Pat.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sí.

BY PAUL HENRY


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