DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinnesss led tributes yesterday following the death of Newry woman Sally Brady who died aged 107.
Mrs Brady was the mother of Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady.
A mother-of-five with 27 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, Mrs Brady was known in Newry as a sharp and witty conversationalist, who often shared her memories of the Black and Tans in her home city in years following the Easter Rising.
She lost her husband Willie in 1985 and eldest son Jim in 1998. Speaking after her son Mickey became the first MP to hail from Newry, she told reporters: "I'm very proud of Mickey and all the family, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – they're a credit to me.
"I've seen lots of changes in my life, but I've always lived a very quiet and holy life. I've seen good times and bad times in my life, but I've lots of good memories."
Mr McGuinness said he learned of Mrs Brady's death with "great sadness".
"I had the honour and privilege of meeting Mrs Brady when she visited Stormont with Mickey and found her a charming and intelligent lady with a great spirit," he said.
"She lived a long and full life which spanned two centuries and witnessed many changes in that time."
Mrs Brady is survived by her children Mickey, Mary, Theresa and Lillian. Her funeral will place tomorrow at 3.30pm in St Catherine's Church, Dominic Street with burial afterwards in Monkshill Cemetery.
