Tributes paid to former SDLP councillor who passed away on holiday

by Gráinne Connolly

Tributes have been paid to a former SDLP councillor who died suddenly on holiday.

It's understood Geraldine Donnelly died while in Spain this week.

The former South Armagh representative joined the old Newry and Mourne Council in 2005 and retired from council in 2016. 

She also held the role of Deputy Mayor in 2011 and 2012.

In a social media post, Newry SDLP described her as an outstanding public representative, a devoted wife and grandmother.

Meanwhile, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described Geraldine as the "beating heart of the SDLP in Armagh": 

Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Geraldine Donnelly’s sudden passing. Words cannot do her kind, warm and generous spirit justice.

Geraldine was the beating heart of the SDLP in Armagh and was loved by everyone who knew her. My thoughts are with Sean and her family.

— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) June 29, 2019

Other public representatives also took to social media to pay tribute to Geraldine: 

So sorry to hear of Geraldine Donnelly’s untimely passing. She was a well respected representative of the South Armagh community for years. She was warm, friendly & very easy to work with. Thinking of her family & friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam 🙏🏼

— Megan Fearon (@mfearonsf) June 29, 2019

I'm very sorry to hear that Geraldine Donnelly has died. We worked together a lot over the years and she was a lovely person.

I was chatting to her recently and she offered to help out during my election campaign. I'm in shock that she's gone. pic.twitter.com/SRb1HiEGoC

— Cllr Gary McKeown (@garymckeown) June 29, 2019

Sad to hear of the death of former Councillor Geraldine Donnelly, a lady who always had a nice word to say and always had a smile on her face. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a hanam dílis.

— Barra Ó Muirí (@barraomuiri) June 29, 2019