The family of renowned Derry author, journalist and feminist activist Nell McCafferty have said they are “humbled and comforted” by the tributes following her death.
The celebrated writer, 80, died in the early hours of Wednesday at a nursing home in Fahan, Co Donegal following a long illness.
The former Irish Times journalist 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 (IWLM).
Considered a journalistic trailblazer and fearless social commentator, McCafferty, who was raised in the Bogside, authored several books and also wrote for publications including the Sunday Tribune and Hot Press.
A statement from McCafferty’s family concluded with ‘Goodnight Sisters’ – the phrase she used to sign off at the end of TV appearances and also the title of two volumes of her writings.
“There aren’t words to convey the emotion that we feel at the loss of Our Nell,” they said.
“We are humbled and comforted by the outpouring of love, respect and admiration on this rainy August day.
“We once again rely on the woman herself to express the depth of our feelings in just two words: Goodnight Sisters.”
Campaigning for the legalisation of contraceptives in Ireland in the 1970s, she famously took part in an event known as the Contraceptive Train in 1971 when members of the IWLM travelled across the border to Belfast, bought a range of contraceptive products and took them to Dublin, where they staged a protest at the city’s Connolly station.
McCafferty had previously been in a long term relationship with fellow author Nuala O’Faolain, who died in 2008.
Irish President Michael D Higgins said Ms McCafferty was a “pioneer” in her work over many years.
“It is with great sorrow that so many people will have learnt of the death of Nell McCafferty,” he said.
“Nell McCafferty was a pioneer in raising those searching questions which could be asked, but which had been buried, hidden or neglected.”
President Higgins said he and his wife Sabina were “privileged” to be Nell’s friends and said she will be deeply missed, especially by those who “experienced her enduring strength, courage, warmth and humour”.
“May I express my deepest condolences to Nell’s family, colleagues and many friends,” he added.
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