Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Saturday 17°CSunday 17°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
HealthNewsPolitics

Former Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly passes away

written by John February 6, 2020
ShareTweet

Ann Brolly with her husband Francie who joined anti-abortion group Aontu after both quit Sinn Fein

THE former Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly has died suddenly at home.

Mr Brolly was in his early 80s.

He represented the East Derry constituency at Stormont from 2003 until his retirement in 2010.

The politician was an outspoken critic of abortion and in 2018 he resigned his membership of Sinn Féin in protest over the party’s policy on terminations.

Both Mr Brolly, his wife, Anne, a former Mayor of Limavady, and their son Proinnsias later joined the anti-abortion republican party, Aontú, which was formed just over a year ago.

Aontú’s deputy leader, Derry City Councillor Anne McCloskey, told BBC News NI she was “heartbroken” at news of her friend’s death.

She said Mr Brolly died unexpectedly at home in the middle of the night and his family were “devastated”.

Francie Brolly, who was a former teacher from Dungiven, was also a musician and songwriter who spoke Irish.

Ms McCloskey said he was at the “heart of the community” in Dungiven and would be sorely missed.

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill also paid tribute to Mr Brolly in a statement on Thursday morning describing him as a “committed Irish republican”.

“Francie Brolly was a significant figure in the political life of east Derry for many years and will be missed by many,” she said.

“As a teacher, activist, campaigner and elected representative, he helped shape the community in his native Dungiven and further afield.

“Aside from politics, Francie also made a huge contribution to the musical and cultural world with his songs he recorded and performed alongside his wife, Anne and his love of the Irish language.”

Another son of the couple, Joe Brolly, is a barrister and a well-known gaelic games pundit.

Joe was a member of the All-Ireland winning Derry Gaelic Football team of 1993.

Former Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly passes away was last modified: February 7th, 2020 by John

Tags:
ABORTIONAontuDerrydungivenFormer Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly passes awayJoe BrollySinn Fein
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Funeral of mother and daughter killed in...

4 hours ago

Boyce hat-trick sends Derry City into seventh...

8 hours ago

Dance company loses appeal over 100% annual...

10 hours ago

Unmissable music events coming to the Abbey...

1 day ago

New leaflet to help older people beat...

1 day ago

Man charged with possessing indecent images of...

1 day ago

Loving mother and daughter killed in Donegal...

1 day ago

Positive discussions with Transport Minister on NW...

1 day ago

Sadness as mother of girl (6) killed...

2 days ago

Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025
  • Two charged over huge cannabis haul seized in North West

    July 3, 2025
  • Two men to face Derry court over driving and drug offences

    July 2, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy