Tributes paid to former MP and MLA Mickey Brady the 'People's Champion'

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to former Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MP and MLA, Mickey Brady who died yesterday, 16 January.

Local political figures who would have interacted with him on a daily basis have spoke of their irreplaceable loss of a pillar of Republican politics, a man with a passion for his community and a true friend.

People's Champion

Dáire Hughes MP who took Mickey Brady's Westminster seat following his stepping down said he was utterly devastated to hear the news.

"Mickey was a great Newry institution, a proud Ballybot man, the people’s champion. He spent his life working for families here, as a community activist, welfare advisor and as a public representative. All too often the only thing that stood between a family and destitution was an intervention by Mickey Brady. You’d struggle to find a family locally that Mickey hadn’t helped.

"He was the most sociable, laidback, down to earth gentleman you could meet, with a sharp wit and a story to liven any discussion.
I can’t describe how much I’ll miss his friendship, advice and guidance."

Mr Hughes added "Mickey has been a pillar of Republican politics for over two decades. The support we have today is due in huge part to Mickey Brady. Even after he stood back from elected politics, Mickey was a constant presence in our office, still working for the people of Newry."

A True Friend

MLA Liz Kimmins said she was heartbroken at his loss. "Mickey was one of the most kindest, caring and hardworking people I have ever met, someone who, for decades, has dedicated a lifetime to the people of Newry and Armagh. Mickey fiercely fought for equality and social justice, and was a consistent voice for the most vulnerable in our community."

"Mickey was an incredible person, and someone I was so lucky to have as a mentor and friend since entering elected politics. I will miss his stories about all the local Newry legends, his days in welfare advice in Frederick Street and Bridge Street, and later in Stormont, but especially his warm and witty personality that we all grew to know and love over the years." she added.

Ms Kimmins spoke of the pride Mickey had for his family. "Mickey was immensely proud of his family, his wife Caroline, his children Saoirse, Michael, Sean, and Niall, and his grandchildren and spoke about them all with such adoration and love every single day."

She concluded "We have lost a true friend, a comrade, a family man and a solid Republican, and will now cherish the many precious memories we have of Mickey."

Community Champion

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said "We have lost one of the very best. A lifelong Republican activist, a champion of people and community, a dedicated public representative as an MLA and MP, utterly committed to his home place of Newry and Armagh. He was believer in a better future, a United Ireland and an equal society."

 She added "Mickey will be greatly missed but remembered every day. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, in the communities he strengthened, and in the better, fairer Ireland he worked for every day of his life."

Sharp Wit

First Minister Michelle O'Neill also said he was a lifelong champion for the people of Newry and Armagh. "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.

"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."

Ms O'Neill added "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."

Driven

Senator Conor Murphy said "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."

True Republican

 Newry City Councillor Geraldine Kearns added "My family and I are deeply saddened to hear the passing of our good friend and comrade Mickey Brady… words cannot describe how much Mickey advocated his life’s work to the people of Newry, Mourne and surrounding areas.

"A true republican in heart, a gentleman, a man for the working class people, a friend and a legend! We will most definitely miss his company, his knowledge, his craic agus scéal especially out canvassing."

No One Was Refused Help

Fellow Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers added "I learned a lot from him in his dealings with welfare and we built up connections that still work to this day. No one was refused help regardless of creed or political background. For those of us lucky enough to know him, he was funny, cheeky and one of the biggest slaggers you would ever meet. We had some great times and laughs over the years which will stay with me forever."

A Great Mentor

Aoife Finnegan MLA added "Micky was a great mentor to so many of us - a true font of knowledge who never hesitated to share his wisdom, experience, and guidance. He was a working-class hero in the truest sense, grounded in his community and unwavering in his principles."

"Throughout his life, Micky championed the cause of Irish freedom and equality for all, always standing on the side of ordinary people and never losing sight of why he entered public life in the first place. His commitment, humility, and quiet strength left a lasting mark on our movement." she added.

A Great Confidant

Newry City Cllr Cathal King said "I’ll remember Mickey as a pure gentleman. I’ll miss hearing his stories from the oul days, his travels, the people he met, and the many memories and characters of Newry he shared. He was a great confidant when I began as a councillor, always generous with his advice and guidance, and it was an honour to know him as a comrade and colleague."

True Gentleman

Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan said "A true gentleman in every sense - kind, caring, thoughtful and most of all a person of the people. I had the honour of working with him in the assembly, he was a special friend and will be sadly missed."

A Story for Every Occasion

South Down MP Chris Hazzard added "I had the great privilege of working alongside Mickey - first at Stormont, where he was a relentless opponent of Tory austerity, and then since 2017 as part of Sinn Féin’s MP team in London, Dublin and beyond.

"A story for every occasion and a smile for everyone he met, Mickey brought light and laughter wherever he journeyed. Indeed every journey felt shorter in his company - his gentle manner, sharp wit, humour and deep empathy made him a much-loved and respected comrade, and a true champion of the people.".

Helped and Supported Many

Alliance Councillor Helena Young said "He was always full of wonderful stories and witty anecdotes but he will always be remembered as a man who helped and supported so many people over many decades, myself included. My thoughts are with Caroline, his children, grandchildren and the Brady family."

Kindness

SDLP Councilllor Doire Finn added "Mickey was a gentleman and always worked hard for the people he represented. In a previous role when I visited Westminster for work, he gave me his mobile number and said that he'd never let a newry girl stand outside in a queue. I remember his kindness and hope he rests in peace"

Proud Son of Ballybot

Barcroft Community Association have also expressed their condolences. "Mickey was held in the highest esteem by both our current committee members and our predecessors. For decades, he dedicated his life to serving the people of Newry, tirelessly championing equality and social justice, and acting as a consistent and powerful voice for the most vulnerable within our community.

"A proud son of Ballybot, Mickey never forgot where he came from. No matter what office he held, he always went above and beyond for the people of our community, showing unwavering commitment, compassion, and integrity in all that he did."

Commitment to Community Action

In a statement Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce said "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."

Worked Tirelessly

A spokesperson from Community Advice Newry, Mourne and Down added "Mickey was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the people of Newry, Mourne and Down. He was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to social justice, equality and the wellbeing of those most in need.

"He was a strong and consistent advocate for welfare rights and social protection, recognising the vital importance of advice and advocacy services in supporting individuals and families through difficult and often challenging circumstances. Mickey worked closely with community and advice organisations and was a trusted ally in the ongoing effort to ensure fairness, dignity and access to entitlements for all." 

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.