Death of Derry Republican Tommy McCourt

The late Tommy McCourt will be remembered as “a proud son of Derry”. 

The death of Mr McCourt, who founded the city’s Rosemount Resource Centre and managed it for 39 years before his retirement in 2021, was announced on Friday by the the Irish Republican Socialist Party Derry (IRSP Derry).

Mr McCourt was the beloved partner of Jackie; loving father to Brian, Shane and Aine; and step-father to Darren. He was the beloved son of the late Pat and Mureen; the dear brother of Mairead, Pat, Damien, Bernetta, Donna and the late baby Ellen Josephine; and a much loved father-in-law and Granda.

In an online tribute, IRSP Derry described Mr McCourt as a “Republican socialist stalwart and veteran”.

“A proud son of Derry, Tommy was a former political prisoner, a founding member of both the IRSP and INLA, and a trusted advisor to Seamus Costello during their formation,” it added.

“Throughout his life, Tommy dedicated himself to his country and to the people of Derry, working tirelessly for his community until ill health prevented him from doing so. His loss will be felt by all who knew him.

“We send our condolences to his family at this time. RIP Comrade.”

A spokesperson for Séadchomhartha Na nDaoine - the People’s Monument said: “All at Junior McDaid wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Derry Republican, Tommy McCourt.

“Tommy was a lifelong activist who dedicated himself to his community and his principles. He will be remembered with respect and admiration by all who knew him.

“We send out heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s family, friends, and comrades at this difficult time.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

In its tribute, The Keenan/Toner Cumann Sinn Féin Poblachtach Derry sent its “heartfelt condolences to the family of lifelong Republican Tommy McCourt”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his partner, Jackie, his sons Brians, Shane, Darren and daughter Aine at this sad time. RIP Thomas,” it added.

In a video posted online by IRSP Derry, featuring Tommy McCourt, he said: “I have always been the sort of person who, if somebody is the underdog I’d always like to help him”.

He added: “I became involved on October 5 (1968) in the first demonstrations in Derry. I got batonned round the head by the police and saw my friends getting batonned, saw my area getting invaded by the cops and I adopted a policy of doing something about it.”

Mr McCourt’s wake is taking place at his home, 1, Osborne Street. His funeral will take place from there on Monday, September 29, to St Eugene’s Cathedral for Requiem Mass at 10.00am, with interment afterwards in the city cemetery.

Mr McCourt’s funeral Mass can be viewed on the following link: https://www.steugenescathedral.com/webcam.html.