VETERAN civil rights campaigner, Fionnbarra O Dochartaigh went to "extraordinary lengths" to make life better for his neighbours, mourners at his funeral heard yesterday.
Mr O Dochartaigh, who died on Sunday after a long illness, was one of the founding members of the civil rights movement in Derry.
In 1968, along with Eamon McCann and Eamonn Melaugh, Mr O Dochartaigh organised the October 5 march which the RUC attempted to violently breakup.
It is regarded by many as the start of the Troubles.
Mr McCann, who later became a People Before Profit assembly member, was among the mourners at St Eugene’s Cathedral yesterday as well as former SDLP leader Mark Durkan.
Fr Pat Lagan said Mr O Dochartaigh would be forever associated with the civil rights movement.
"A gentleman who will be remembered by many for the extraordinary lengths he went to so that people could have a better life, from housing to employment, to the many meetings he held, to the humble and simple conversation with friend and stranger,” he said.
Mr O Dochartaigh remained a campaigner and promoter of civil rights throughout his life.
"He was born into and brought up in a home where the young Fionnbarra often listened to and accompanied his father to trade union meetings. He was a gifted child who loved politics and history.
"He was an excellent orator, whilst studying in Manchester, he was described as a small man with a big voice."
The priest said Mr O Dochartaigh had a photographic memory and was able to recall quotes and chapters to share his stories.
"When you met Fionnbarra, you didn’t just meet a campaigner, you met a man, passionately and enthusiastically striving to build a more just and peaceful society," he said.
Following the Requiem Mass, Mr O Dochartaigh was buried at Derry City Cemetery.
