comTributes have been paid to renowned author, journalist and feminist activist Nell McCafferty, who has died at the age of 80.
She died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at a Co Donegal nursing home, her family said.
The former columnist with now defunct Sunday News and Irish Times journalist, originally from Derry’s Bogside, was a prominent voice on women’s rights issues across the island of Ireland and in 1970 co-founded the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement.
Taoiseach Simon Harris described her as a “fierce, fearless and fiery” campaigner who “suffered no fools”.
“If she was in the room or in the debate, you knew about it,” the Taoiseach said in a statement.
“Her passion and wrath was not scattergun, it had a laser-like focus on calling out inequality and injustice. She suffered no fools but had a kindness and warmth for many.
“Her wit and Derry turn of phrase made her impossible to ignore.
“As one of the women who took the [contraceptive] train in 1971, she set in train an unstoppable wave for equality and a changing of Ireland for the better. That change has not yet reached its conclusion but it would be nowhere if it wasn’t for warriors like Nell.
“In an Ireland trying to emerge from the shadows and find who it was, Nell McCafferty was one of the people who knew exactly who she was and wasn’t afraid to enter every battle for gay and women’s rights. We all owe her a great debt for this.
“Nell McCafferty left Ireland a much better place than she found it and she played her part with spirit and style. May she rest in peace.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he is “deeply saddened” at the passing of Ms McCafferty, describing her as “an exceptional journalist and campaigner”.
He said she was “the voice of an era who helped to bring major advancements in civil rights and women’s rights.
“She made an enormous contribution to public debate in Ireland.
“In addition to her brilliance as a writer, activist and feminist, Nell brought great warmth and humour to every engagement.
“She made a difference. Sympathies to her family, friends and former colleagues.”
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described her as “an icon”.
“Very sorry to hear about the death of Nell McCafferty. A mould breaker and establishment shaker, she spoke truth to power like only a Derry woman could,” said the Foyle MP.
“An icon for so many people across Ireland. Nell will be sadly missed but her activism will endure.”
The author Sinéad Gleeson said: “Nell McCafferty’s voice was loud and uncompromising in an Ireland that hated women with opinions.
“Her journalism was ground-breaking (a rare female voice in Troubles discourse) her feminism absolute, her queer visibility a lifeline for LGBTQI people.”
Ireland’s Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said: “Deeply saddened to hear today about the death of the wonderful, fearless and unique feminist icon – Nell McCafferty.
“It was an honour and a privilege to have known Nell, and to have had such fun with her over the years. Deep sympathies to all her family and friends.”
Author and columnist Mairia Cahill said: “Nell McCafferty blazed a scorching trail, leading the way for others to demand that Ireland treat them more equally.
“From young offenders to travellers to women in particular, her writing captured life like no other.
“She was also full of mischief.
“Her work on the Kerry Babies tribunal should be read by everyone.
“Her memoir is sublime, and her columns are magic – all gems. RIP.”
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