Former MEP, Government Minister and TD shared a close relationship with County Councillor Noreen McGarvey who passed away last night.
Having worked together for more than 20 years, Pat the Cope paid tribute to Noreen’s talents and energy for anything she put her mind to.
The following is his personal statement to his close friend and colleague.
(Pic courtesy of Eoin McGarvey)
“It is with heavy heart and profound sadness that we learned of Cllr Noreen Mc Garvey’s passing, Noreen was an exceptionally talented and gifted person, with an unconquered passion for life and living. She excelled in her work, she had a natural zest for drama and poetry; in sport she was a keen golfer. She had so many natural talents and abilities and a personality to match, this is what made her the great personality we all knew so well.
“Noreen worked closely with me for almost the past 20 years, initially as an activist in numerous elections and more laterally for 12 years as a parliamentary assistant, she had a massive work ethic and determination to succeed in her duties and responsibilities. She was an extremely hard worker and committed community person with a dedication for GAA as well as other organisations. Her own talents knew no limitations nor did her drive or energy.
“She was very well known for her numerous partaking in Scor throughout the county. She was extremely talented in drama and plays, and would often draft her own sketches for community events. She also devoted her time to passing on the skills of golfing to the next generation, often practicing with them on her downtime.
“Noreen succeeded in getting elected in the 2019 Local Government Elections, and despite health issues gave a one hundred percent commitment to her duty as a local councillor for the Glenties Municipal Area. She was a former Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District and present Leas Cathaoirleach. She demonstrated astute leadership qualities, along with a trojan work ethic and a natural affinity for representing the electoral area – Her best years were yet to come and her loss will leave a massive void in local government in West Donegal. Noreen was an active member of Donegal ETB along with numerous other Donegal County Council committees; she always pursued a proactive role in developing and representing her communities.
“She was deeply involved with Donegal Parents and Friends Association and played no small part in the provision of 12 State of the Art housing units in Dungloe for people with Special Needs.
“Noreen was a devoted mother to her daughter Amy, and her parents were forever in her thoughts along with her siblings. She was so family orientated in everything she undertook. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to her daughter Amy, her father Seamus, mother Susie, brother Declan and sisters Colette and Debbie.
“As Noreen had a fondness for poetry let my final words of tribute be from Ragindranath Tagore’s poem Peace My Heart.
“Let the last touch of your hand be, gentle like the flower of night.
Stand still, o beautiful end, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold my lamp to light you on your way.”
