Martin Doherty

People in his native Inishowen, Donegal and further afield were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Martin ``Clougherna'' Doherty, from Ballyliffen in the peninsula.

Martin passed away suddenly at his home late on Sunday evening 4 May. He was just 46 years old.

A dedicated Republican, he gave most of his life to the cause and when the present phase of the struggle began, he was one of the first into the fray - being a founder member in his area. He was arrested on many occasions by 26 County forces but was never charged. Martin's home was always open to fellow Republicans who were forced to seek refuge this side of the border.

Speaking at his graveside, Donegal Sinn Féin Councillor Jim Ferry paid great tribute to Martin for the active role he played, particularly during the hunger strikes of the early eighties and he could always be relied upon at election time - this year being no exception.

Councillor Ferry said that Martin was a man of the highest integrity, very open and frank with his opinions, but what he admired most about him was his great sense of justice. It was this sense of justice which endeared him to all who know him and which drove him at an early age to take a stand against the injustice of partition.

A quiet family man, it was through his association with the Republican Movement that he met and married his wife Mary, and it is to her and her young family; Roisin, Shane, Joanne, Liam, Marty and Eamonn, and to his brothers and sisters that we extend our heartfelt sympathy. He will be sadly missed by his friends and comrades.

The very large cortege which followed his tricolour draped coffin - flanked by a guard of honour - to the chapel in Clonmany and later to the adjoining cemetery, bore testimony to the very high esteem in which Martin Dohnerty was held.

In tribute to Martin the Inishowen Sinn Féin Cumann is now known as ``The Eddie Fullerton/Martin Doherty Cumann''.