Tributes pour in for former Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady

Brady, 75, who served as MP for Newry and Armagh between 2015 and 2024, was remembered as a gentleman, who ‘loved the people of Newry and Armagh’.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described Brady as ‘a giant of the community’ in a tribute posted to social media.

‘It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the death of our dear friend, Mickey Brady,’ she wrote.

‘Mickey was a lifelong champion for the people of Newry and Armagh, dedicating more than five decades of his life to community and political activism.

‘He had a deep-rooted passion for his community and its people, whether through his work in welfare advice or during his time as a Sinn Féin MLA and MP for the area.

‘His door was always open to people right across the community, and he gave his time generously to everyone who sought his help.

‘He loved the people of Newry and Armagh, and they loved him in return.

‘As an Irish Republican, involved from as far back as the civil rights movement, Mickey spoke with great pride when reflecting on the strides made to ensure fairness for his community and towards national unification.

‘I will always remember Mickey for his sharp wit and endless stories.

‘He had a rare ability to lift spirits and bring smiles wherever he went.

‘He was a gentleman and a deeply insightful, knowledgeable, and committed political activist.

‘My thoughts are with his wife Caroline, daughter Saoirse, and sons Michael, Sean and Niall, stepchildren, and wider family.

‘A family has lost a deeply devoted father and grandfather.

‘Newry, and Sinn Féin, has lost a giant of the community.

‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam’.

Brady was also remembered by Senator Conor Murphy, who wrote: ‘I've known Mickey Brady for many years and he has always been a salt of the earth, kindhearted and thoroughly decent person.

‘His track record on helping people with welfare rights issues speaks for itself and it led to Mickey being known the length and breadth of the district before he was ever involved in politics.

‘As a public representative for Sinn Féin Mickey carried himself with great dignity and diligence. He was driven to see the delivery of a united Ireland and moreover an Ireland in which every citizen would be treated with dignity.

‘We are nearer to that aim today because of the contribution made by Mickey.

‘We will miss his wit and humour and his quiet leadership.

‘Rest easy a chara, tóg go bog é’.

President of Newry Chamber, Conor Patterson remembered the work that Brady did for the city of Newry during his time in the Assembly between 2007 and 2015, and then as a Member of Parliament for nine years, saying that he ‘will never be forgotten’.

‘Mickey's death has struck a chord with thousands of people in Newry City and beyond as he was so widely liked and respected across all communities. The term man or woman of the people can sometimes be used too easily but not in the case of Mickey Brady.

‘No one did more to put money that they were entitled to into the pockets of working class people in Newry than Mickey. For people ignored or disrespected by a harsh system living in real poverty, Mickey became their champion, taking on the complexities of both regulations and attempts at exclusion and winning time and time again.

‘Mickey successfully helped so many in battles with bureaucracy, and not just those who relied on benefits but students, people trying to navigate a failing health service and so many more. Mickey set an example in converting anger at what government was doing to our community into practical action.

‘His commitment to community action was lifelong, from his time working within the system as a young civil servant, to the many year's of long, intense work in the Welfare Rights Centre, to his support to the other organisations working to try to create opportunity in the area including Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency and Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade.

‘He was there time and time again supporting us in trying to help create employment, start up and grow local businesses and bring investment to Newry City, South Armagh and South Down, however he could, particularly when he became an MLA and MP.

"Most recently his work, largely behind the scenes in developing a strategy to protect and enhance services at Daisy Hill through the Daisy Hill Future Group was so important; as ever quietly effective, without ego or fanfare, right up until his shock passing yesterday.

"We all trusted Mickey. In my 40+ years knowing him, I never remember him once losing his temper, raising his voice or abandoning his sense of humour. He was great craic, a brilliant storyteller recalling characters long passed, he was honest, he was loyal, he was a true friend. Rest in peace Mickey. You will never be forgotten’.

A JustGiving page has been set up by his family in his memory, with the proceeds going towards a cause close to his heart, medical aid for Palestinians. If you wish to donate, you can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mickeybrady-in-memoriam?fbclid=IwY2xjawPZzX5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFkR0oyOWJrS2Jkdmgxak41c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk49V2DKXxmorqXW7eQ_AZl3BIRIQPK8_q-egMXJf0NuQ65i6XucB3lJlIGs_aem_-amppysSh2eDuEGxyNsBDg