Tributes paid to Gerry McCartney veteran Derry Republican

Derry Republicans have gathered at the Shantallow Monument to pay tribute to veteran Republican Gerry McCartney.

The coffin of veteran Derry Republican Gerry McCartney borne to the Shantallow Republican Monument by his brothers.

"Gerry died early on Saturday morning, peacefully at his home, St Eithne’s Park. He was the beloved husband of Eileen, loving father of Úna, Deirdre, Finnuala and Mairéad, father-in-law of John, Eoighan and Ciarán, son of the late Liam and Bessie, dear brother of Jimmy, Liam, Noel, Raymond, Helen, Elizabeth and Andrew and a much loved grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle.

"Gerry’s remains will are reposing in his daughter’s home, 1 Temple Park from 2 pm on Saturday.

"His funeral will take place from there on Monday (February 12) at 1.00pm, proceeding to the Creggan Monument for 1.30 pm and onwards to the City cemetery.

"Family flowers only are requested with donations in lieu of flowers if wished to Multiple Sclerosis Society (Derry Branch), 58 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7AJ.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a aman."

There was sadness across the city on Saturday morning as people learned of Gerry's death, with many tributes being posted online.

Derry Sinn Fein said: "Lifelong Republican Gerard 'Gerry' McCartney passed away this morning.

"We shall gather at the Shantallow Monument at 1.30pm today [Saturday] to meet his remains. May he Rest In Peace."

Paying poignant  tribute to Gerry, his brother Raymond - former Blanket man and Sinn Féin MLA - said: "As a family, we are all heartbroken for Eileen, Una, Deirdre, Fionnula and Mairead, his sons-in-law, John, Eoghan and Ciaran, and grandchildren.

"Anyone who knew Gerard will know that he loved his family, and all that Eileen and Gerard ever strove for was that their children and their grand children would enjoy opportunities and hopes denied to their generation.

"We mourn his loss but we are equally proud to say he was our brother, our comrade, our tower of strength through the many challenges we all faced together. Suaimhneas sioraí ort-sa, Gerard."

Family members carry Gerry McCartney's coffin to the Shantallow Republican Monument.

Former Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "The Anderson Family’s hearts are so sore. We loved Gerry McCartney RIP - a legend is dead. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dílis."

While Karen Mullen, former Sinn Féin MLA added: "Gerry was an absolute gentleman and a true republican. He stood up to injustice and spoke out. I will never forget his support.  He will be sorely missed," were the thoughts of Karen Mullen, former Sinn Féin MLA.

The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation also offered its condolences to the McCartney Family.

The Foundation said: "Martin Mc Guinness Peace Foundation send condolences to Board member Andrew Mc Cartney on the passing of his brother Gerry. We also extend our condolences to Eileen, their children and the wider Mc Cartney clan. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dílis."