Durkan deeply saddened by tragic death of ‘complete gentleman’ Brendan O’Connor

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has expressed his deep sadness at the death of Brendan O’Connor, the 70-year-old man who was knocked down and killed in Derry last night. The father of three, from Troy Park, died after he was hit by a car on the Culmore Road close to his home at around 7.00pm. Mr O’Connor was a former chairperson of the SDLP’s District Executive in the city, producing most of the campaign material for John Hume in both Westminster and European elections. Paying tribute, Mr Durkan (pictured) said: “Brendan O’Connor was the complete gentleman, committed to his own politics but always respectful of others. “He liked to think and talk about issues and had an eye for ideas. “He was a natural canvasser who enjoyed engaging with people and giving particular encouragement to candidates. “As a design professional, he produced most of the campaign material for John Hume in both Westminster and European elections. Indeed, he was particularly enthusiastic about the European project and would have been passionate in the forthcoming referendum. “Brendan was a natural storyteller and a thoughtful companion as well as a loyal activist who would be straight with his thoughts. “His tragic death is shocking for all who knew him from his various professional, cultural, political and social pursuits. “It is a tragic loss for his loving family to whom he was devoted.”