Fógraí bháis: Dermot Mitchell

REPUBLICANS from County Galway and neighbouring counties gathered last week to pay their respects to Dermot Mitchell, a friend, comrade and activist who had been involved in republican struggle for the past 30 years. Dermot had fought failing health in the past couple of years but always retained his cheerful and forward-looking outlook on life.
After being waked in his home, surrounded by his family - Genevieve, Yvonne, Mary, Patrick Pearse, Dermot and Oisín, his brothers and sisters and his wife, Anna - Dermot’s body was removed for a funeral mass in Fohenagh before burial in Ahascragh Cemetery.
While the cortege was preceded by a group of motorcyclists, reflecting one of the loves of Dermot’s life, a republican colour party flanked the hearse, marking another lifelong passion. This was followed by several hundred mourners, family, neighbours, work colleagues and the many friends Dermot had made during his 60 years of a very full life.

CHAMPION
In his oration at the graveside, the Deputy Mayor of Galway, Councillor Dermot Connolly, spoke of Dermot Mitchell the family man, the neighbour, the miner in Tynagh mines, the union organiser and the champion of workers’ rights, all of which were embedded in his republican beliefs. “No task too big or too small, fear físe, comradaí, duine a bhí in ann gaire agus a bhí in ann grá,” said Connolly.
He added that the Republican Movement in east Galway has lost a fine comrade, one who had remained involved in all of the debates and had the ability to change tactics when required while holding firm to his objectives to the end.
Sympathy is extended to Anna and all the family. Sna flaithis go raibh leaba dó.