Northern Ireland

SDLP grandees attend funeral of former party treasurer Tom Connolly

Former SDLP treasurer Tom Connolly
Former SDLP treasurer Tom Connolly Former SDLP treasurer Tom Connolly

SENIOR members of the SDLP, past and present, turned out yesterday to pay their final respects to former party treasurer Tom Connolly.

Mr Connolly, who owned a chemist business with outlets on Belfast's Lisburn Road and in Andersonstown, was former SDLP leader John Hume's election agent for a number of European elections between 1979-1999.

The 87-year-old would have also canvassed on behalf of Joe Hendron, venturing across the peaceline into loyalist West Belfast during the former MP's successful 1992 Westminster election campaign.

Originally from Glenavy in Co Antrim, Mr Connolly is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 58 years, and children Siobhan, Fintan, Roisin, Fionnuala and Una.

Among the mourners at his funeral service at St Brigid's Church on Belfast's Derryvolgie Avenue were Pat Hume, the former Foyle MP's wife, Seamus Mallon, Alasdair McDonnell, Brid Rodgers, Mark Durkan and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.

Mr Connolly's remains were later interred at St Joseph's Cemetery, Glenavy.

Mr Eastwood described Mr Connolly as "one of the nicest, most warm hearted people involved in politics".

"When he offered quiet counsel, away from the spotlight, MLAs, Ministers and party leaders listened. That speaks to the influence he had and the esteem in which he was held," he said.

"As a treasurer of the SDLP and as John Hume’s election agent, he made an indelible impact on our politics and was a constant source of support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s wife Kathleen, his daughters and his son at this difficult time."