Tributes paid to Derryman Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt

Tributes have been paid to Derryman Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt who passed away earlier today aged 62.
The late Eamonn 'Peggy' McCourt.The late Eamonn 'Peggy' McCourt.
The late Eamonn 'Peggy' McCourt.

The life-long Republican from Creggan is understood to have died earlier this morning.

Many local people had been lighting candles and had been praying for Mr McCourt over recent days as news that Mr McCourt was unwell spread.

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Friends and Republicans from across Derry, Ireland and beyond have posted tributes online.

2008: Eamonn (Peggy) McCourt, second from right, pictured with others outside The Telstar. (0608SL02)2008: Eamonn (Peggy) McCourt, second from right, pictured with others outside The Telstar. (0608SL02)
2008: Eamonn (Peggy) McCourt, second from right, pictured with others outside The Telstar. (0608SL02)

In a statement issued through social media this evening, Sinn Féin stated: “The republican family in Derry are today mourning the loss of Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt.

“He was a much loved activist and political ex-prisoner who spent many years maintaining the local Republican memorial in Cromore Gardens.

“In May 1981, the SAS opened fire on a car on Southway, wounding Peggy and killing his friends and local Volunteers George McBrearty and Charles ‘Pop’ Maguire.

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“He will be sorely missed by all his family, friends and comrades.

“I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílis.”

On its page Donegal Ógra Shinn Féin stated: “We have received the sad news that Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt has died after a battle with Covid 19.

“Peggy was a dedicated republican who helped build Sinn Féin in Derry and was active in his community. Our condolences go to all his family and friends at this time.”

The Glasgow Republicans Cumann meanwhile said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt.

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“His presence was massive in the republican movement in Derry and beyond, his loss will be felt just as much.”

Meanwhile, many people from the Creggan community have also posted tributes.

Sean Dolans Gaelic Athletic Club stated: “The club would like to offer condolences to the McCourt Family on the passing of Peggy Mc Court (Eamon)today... A legend of the Creggan Community. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

In a post on their Facebook page, Bishops of Creggan (formerly The Telstar bar) offered their sincere condolences to Mr McCourt’s family “at the passing of our own Peggy McCourt”.

“Bishops of Creggan has lost a true gentleman and a great character of Creggan. You will be sorely missed Peggy McCourt may you rest in peace,” the post read.

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