THE funeral of Irish News columnist and broadcaster Anita Robinson will take place in her native Derry on Saturday.
Mrs Robinson (76) died following a short illness at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on Tuesday.
A weekly columnist with The Irish News for more than 20 years, she was also a popular broadcaster with BBC Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster. Her quick turn-of-phrase and witty observations made her an in-demand public speaker.
Mrs Robinson grew up in Derry’s Waterside. Following teacher training, she worked at Holy Child PS in the Creggan area before taking up a position at St Brigid’s PS, Carnhill where she spent most of her career. She also worked with the Pushkin Trust and the Verbal Arts Centre, bringing her enthusiasm for literature into schools across the north west.
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Paying tribute to Mrs Robinson, mayor Graham Warke said she was "familiar to so many as a friendly face and a voice who could brighten up anyone’s day”.
Former SDLP leader, Mark Durkan said Mrs Robinson was a “true tonic”.
In a social media post, Mr Durkan said: “Eye for people and way with words – spoken and written. Erudite understatement, coloured metaphor, droll asides and sage empathy – even in café chat (an Jean Brodie tones). Heart-lifting, laugh-giving and soul-moving descriptions in framed thoughts.”
There was also a huge outpouring of grief from readers of her weekly Irish News column who contacted the paper to offer sympathies.
On hearing of her death, long-time friend and broadcaster, Frank Galligan wrote a poem in her honour. A published writer, Mr Galligan worked with the Derry woman at BBC Radio Foyle and at the Pushkin Trust.
Mrs Robinson’s funeral will take place on Saturday with Requiem Mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral (11am), followed by cremation.
