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Tributes paid to former Sinn Féin MLA Pat O'Rawe

Tributes have been paid to former Sinn Fein assembly member, Pat O'Rawe, who has passed away.
Tributes have been paid to former Sinn Fein assembly member, Pat O'Rawe, who has passed away. Tributes have been paid to former Sinn Fein assembly member, Pat O'Rawe, who has passed away.

THE funeral will take place tomorrow of a former Co Armagh Sinn Féin assembly member who died on Tuesday.

Pat O'Rawe, who was from Middletown, died in the early hours of Tuesday surrounded by her family.

A mother-of-five and a grandmother, Mrs O'Rawe was first elected to Armagh City and District Council as a Sinn Féin councillor for the Crossmore Ward in 2003.

She subsequently represented the Newry Armagh constituency as a Sinn Féin assembly member from 2003-2007.

In June 2003, Mrs O'Rawe became the first Sinn Féin mayor for Armagh City & District Council.

Sinn Fein MP Mickey Brady said his former colleague's many campaigns "helped to advance the fight for Irish unity and equality".

Mr Brady said the party was "deeply saddened" to hear of Mrs O'Rawe's death.

Sinn Féin assembly member Cathal Boylan added: "On behalf of Sinn Féin and the wider community in Armagh, I want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the O'Rawe family at this difficult time".

Requiem Mass for Mrs O'Rawe will be celebrated at 11am tomorrow at St John's Church in Middletown.