COLM Geary, the Derry town clerk who led the city’s council through some of its most difficult times has died.
A native of Limerick, Mr Geary (84) passed away at Altnagelvin hospital on Friday.
He served as town clerk and chief executive of the city’s council from 1973 until his retirement in 1991.
Described as an “outstanding public administrator,” Mr Geary was appointed town clerk of the then Londonderry city council in 1973 following the reform of local government and the abolition of the former Derry Corporation.
Local government was reformed in response to the gerrymander which had ensured unionist control of the overwhelmingly nationalist city.
A keen Irish language enthusiast, Mr Geary’s love of the language was shared by his wife, Fionnuala who taught Irish at Thornhill College and was passed on to his children.
Mrs Geary published a book of Irish verse while his daughter, Aedín is also a published Irish writer.
Mr Geary, from Talbot Park in Derry, was also town clerk when the council voted to change its official name from Londonderry to Derry, a move which was and still is vehemently opposed by unionists.
Former SDLP assembly member and councillor, Mary Bradley said Mr Geary led Derry with great ability and courage.
“He was an outstanding public administrator. Colm had a tremendous intellect and was a great ambassador for Derry," she said.
"As a councillor I always appreciated his support and advice. He had a warmth that endeared him to all councillors."
Mrs Bradley said Mr Geary was a very fair man who had the best interests of Derry at heart.
Mr Geary’s funeral takes place to Derry city cemetery on Monday following Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown at 10am..
