Sadness at passing of former chairperson

Tributes have been paid to a former chairperson of Magherafelt District Council who passed away at the weekend. Patrick Heron, who served as chairman during the 1970s, passed away on Sunday at Foyle Hospice. Patrick, who lived in Eglinton, was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement in south Derry after stepping down from council. He was also a former president of St. Colm's GAC, Ballinascreen. Last night SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell expressed his deep sadness at the loss of the former councillor who he described as "a dear friend." Dr McDonnell said: "Paddy was an outstanding man in every area of his life which he turned his attention to be it in his role as a pharmacist, in business or indeed politics.

"Paddy was a consummate professional, an open and honest man who delivered so much for those who he dealt with. His local community will no doubt feel the loss of such a respectable and upstanding person. "I feel both privileged and proud to have known Paddy as a great friend for many years and he was a valued political advisor with great instinct. "Paddy did an outstanding job in the difficult days of the 1970s in Magherafelt Council where he served as chairman. Even when he stood down he was a trustee of the SDLP for many years.
"He will be sorely missed by not just his family but the very wide circle of friends who knew him and valued his opinion so highly. My sincerest sympathies are with all those who mourn his passing."
Kate Lagan of SDLP added: "Although unwell for some time the news of Paddy Heron's death came as a shock to us all in the local SDLP. Paddy had so many comebacks that you always expected him to bounce back yet again. That was the Paddy that we knew and loved. May he rest in peace.
"To say that Paddy was a man of action would be an understatement. He mastered most things in life that he set his mind to and he set his mind to much.

"As a politician he articulated the voice of moderate Nationalism at a time in Magherafelt Council when that was not an easy thing to do. He was the heart and soul of the Civil Rights Movement in South Derry after leaving the Council. "He always sought solutions to problems rather than complaining or agonizing about them.

"It is with great sadness that we must bid farewell to a kind and loving man and above all a great and faithful friend."


Courtesy of The Derry Post. Tweet

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