06/10/2008

Martin McGuinness's Mother Dies - Aged 84

Tributes have been paid to the mother of Martin McGuinness (pictured) who died today, following a short illness.

Sinn Fein said 84-year-old Peggy McGuinness had died peacefully at her Londonderry home this morning.

Friends and Family are said to be comforting Mr McGuinness.

A spokesperson for the Deputy First Minister said he had spent the weekend at his mother's home, with other family members.

Mr McGuinness left only once, to make a speech at the Civil Rights commemoration held in Derry.

Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Raymond McCartney issued a joint statement offering condolences on behalf of the party.

"Peggy was a stalwart and a great supporter of the republican cause and she will be sorely missed," said the MLAs.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan offered his his sincere condolences to her family.

He said: "I am saddened to hear of the death of Peggy McGuinness.

"I offer sincere condolences to Martin McGuinness and Peggy's entire family at their sad loss."

Mr Durkan, who is also from Derry, said Mrs McGuinness was a very kindly woman with real charm.

Speaking to the BBC about her son's involvement in the political landscape of Northern Ireland, the late Mrs McGuinness said: "Any mother would worry who had a son involved in a political struggle. I worry all the time about his safety and about all the family."

Pre-deceased by her husband, William, Mrs McGuinness is survived by her children Thomas, Martin, Paul, Geraldine, William, Declan and John.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday in St. Columba's Church, Longtower.

A native of Inishowen, Mrs McGuinness will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cockhill, Buncrana, Co Donegal.

(PR/JM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 March 2017
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
30 September 2011
McGuinness Expresses 'RUC Sympathy'
Irish Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness has this week extended sympathy to British soldiers and RUC officers who died during the Troubles, amidst fresh attacks about his IRA past.
22 October 2009
Former North West Mayor Dies
Tributes have been paid to a former Coleraine mayor who passed away yesterday. Councillor Liz Johnston (pictured) was described as an "extraordinary woman". Mrs Johnson had served on the council as an Ulster Unionist member for 16 years.
05 April 2024
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
05 March 2024
Chief Constable Committed To Addressing Issues In Sean Browne Investigation
The PSNI Chief Constable has said that he is committed to working with the family of Sean Browne and others impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process. Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, made the commitment as he acknowledged the comments of the Coroner on the murder of GAA Official, Sean Browne, in 1997.