Northern Ireland

Belfast woman Annie Cahill remembered as 'fearless and committed republican'

Tributes have been paid to Annie Cahill who died yesterday
Tributes have been paid to Annie Cahill who died yesterday Tributes have been paid to Annie Cahill who died yesterday

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and former president Gerry Adams have paid tribute to Belfast republican Annie Cahill who died yesterday.

Mrs Cahill, who was in her late 80s, was the wife of former IRA leader Joe Cahill who passed away in 2004.

Ms McDonald said: “It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Annie Cahill.

“Annie was a fearless and committed republican woman of boundless energy.

“Her commitment, her good humour and her resolve was an inspiration to generations of other republican women.”

Mr Adams said he had known Mrs Cahill for more than half a century.

"She was a strong, determined, courageous woman and sound republican. She was also a committed Gael, a staunch member of Seán Tracey GAC and a formidable camóg," the Louth TD said.

"Annie mentored my wife Colette in camógie and her family and Colette's clann were next door neighbours for generations. She was a good neighbour and a friend.

“Like many of her generation she endured great hardship. She was a tower of strength when her husband Joe Cahill, was imprisoned or in the run and she worked hard to protect her family from the many challenges she and Joe faced in their lives. 

“In her own right,  Annie was an active republican. She campaigned on behalf of the political prisoners and took part in many election campaigns. She was a proud member of the National Graves Association.

"Her death is a huge blow to her family and also to the greater republican family. Her friendly smile and warm welcome and support and her great singing at republican events, particularly her rendition of Tom Williams, will be missed by all who knew her.

“On behalf of my family I want to extend my solidarity and deepest condolences to Tom, Maria, Stephanie, Nuala, Áine, Patricia and Deirdre and the wider Cahill family."