Ardoyne republican Margaret McClenaghan RIP

» Peadar Whelan

The unionist blockade of Holy Cross Primary School was one of those critical times in the conflict and Margaret stood side by side with the children and their parents

ARDOYNE REPUBLICAN Margaret McClenaghan, who died early on Wednesday 2 October, will be sorely missed by those who knew her, worked with her and stood with her when the unity and strength of a committed community saw Ardoyne through some of the worst days of the conflict.

The unionist blockade of Holy Cross Primary School was one of those times and Margaret stood side by side with the children and their parents.

The constant attacks on Ardoyne by unionist gangs, including attacks by the UDA and UVF, never deterred her in her commitment.

As a former POW who spent time in Armagh women’s prison, Margaret embraced Sinn Féin’s political project and supported the Peace Process.

She also, as an elected councillor in Belfast City Hall, represented her community, fighting for their rights in face of unionist intransigence.

Despite retiring from Belfast City Council due to ill-health, Margaret still worked in, for and on behalf of her people. As a republican she was a member of the National Graves Association and put her energy into the work of ensuring our patriot dead were fittingly remembered.

I measc laochra na nGael go raibh sí.

See more pictures »