Mid Ulster Sinn Féin pay tribute to former Magherafelt councillor

Seamus O’Brien from Derrygarve Park, Newbridge, had served on the former Magherafelt District Council from 1997 until 2005.

Extending sympathy to his family on social media, Mid Ulster Sinn Féin said he was a native of Belfast and went on to describe him as an active republican who was imprisoned in Long Kesh and “spent many years on the blanket during some of the worst years of the struggle within the gaol”.

The post adds: “After being released Seamus settled in Newbridge with his wife Mary Jo, and it was here where they raised their family. However, Seamus did not retire from his political activities, instead he joined the local Cumann and worked in many elections.”

A funeral for Mr O’Brien is due to take place this morning at Church of St Trea, Newbridge.

--- A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you