Fograí Bháis - Mick Morrissey

Mick Morrissey

The death occurred on 27 October of Mick Morrissey, a member of Limerick Sinn Féin for almost 35 years. His death, a result of a long illness, came only a few days after his 73rd birthday. A native of Ferrybank in Waterford, Mick came to Limerick in 1967 and worked for many years in Cannock's department store (now Penneys) in O'Connell Street. Prior to that he had lived and worked in England for some years.

Mick came from a republican background. His father and uncles had been IRA Volunteers during the Tan War and the Civil War. Another close relative, the late Wattie Morrissey, served time in Portlaoise in the 1980s for republican activities.

For most of his time in Limerick, Mick shared a home with the family of his sister Beryl, herself a woman of strong republican views, a trade union activist and for many years a member of the Limerick Council of Trade Unions.

For over three decades, through good times and bad, Mick remained a solid republican activist. Be it campaigns, marches, pickets, commemorations or public meetings, he was always there to give support and to offer assistance. He was readily available to help out with paper sales, collections, Easter Lilies or leaflet drops. He played an active role in every election campaign in Limerick since 1974, with the exception of last year's local and European elections, which he missed due to illness. He was also for many years Treasurer of Limerick Sinn Féin.

Mick gave his wholehearted support to the Peace Strategy of Sinn Féin and was particularly pleased with the organisational and electoral progress of the party in recent years.

Everybody who knew Mick will remember him for being a quiet and unassuming gentleman with a ready smile and a nice understated sense of humour. Mick was known for his great love of Gaelic games, especially hurling. In recent years he exulted in the resurgence of the fortunes of his native Waterford, but was also a faithful follower of Limerick, his adopted county. He was also a bright and intelligent man with a breadth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, which he put to good use as an avid participant in pub quiz competitions.

His funeral was held in Ferrybank, Waterford on Sunday 30 October. A Republican Honour Guard flanked his Tricolour-draped coffin on the short journey from the church to the nearby cemetery.

Mick will be greatly missed by family, comrades and friends alike. He will always be remembered with respect and affection. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

• A Mass of Remembrance for Mick Morrissey will be held in the Augustinian Church, O'Connell Street, Limerick on Sunday 27 November at 7.30pm.