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Tributes have been paid to one of the north's longest-serving and most “remarkable” councillors, described as a “gentleman” of politics.
SDLP stalwart Dermot Curran passed away on Sunday 18 Oct at the Downe hospital surrounded by his family.
The Ardglass man who was first elected to Down District Council in 1973 went on to take up the chain of office as the first citizen for two terms (1986 and 2011) as a Downpatrick representative leaving a legacy on the “art of the possible”.
Some 50 years later in 2023, Councillor Curran stepped away from local government as a member of the new super council at Newry, Mourne and Down closing the chamber door on a lifetime of politics and public service.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Dermot Curran was a remarkable public servant who lived and breathed local politics.
“For 50 years, he dedicated himself to improving the lives of others, becoming part of the very fabric of the communities he represented.
“He was a true man of the people, and nowhere was that more evident than in his beloved Ardglass, where he was affectionately known as the Lord Mayor.
“Deeply proud of his labour roots, Dermot was an unwavering champion of our fishing industry, understanding the families, livelihoods and traditions that depend upon it.
“He never forgot where he came from or who he was there to represent.
“When he retired, Dermot reminded us that politics would forever remain ‘the voice of the people, and the art of the possible’. That was how he lived his life, believing politics could make a real difference.
“His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in local government, but his legacy will live on in the communities he served.”
The MLA added: “Our deepest sympathies are with Dermot’s wife Karen, his children Jerome, Gerard and Bronagh, and the entire Curran family.
“They shared their husband and father with the people of South Down for half a century, and we will always be grateful. Rest in peace, Dermot, and thank you for everything.”
Mournes councillor Laura Devlin, speaking on behalf of the Newry Mourne and Down Council SDLP group said: “Dermot was a true gentleman and set a remarkable example for those of us who followed him into local government.
“His dedication to Ardglass and the wider district was unwavering. Fifty years of service represents countless lives touched, families helped and communities strengthened. We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.”
Dermot Curran’s political interests extended beyond the council chamber having twice served as president of NILGA (Northern Ireland Local Government Association ) championing economic development, jobs and opportunities especially for young people, including through the Dermot Curran Young Achievers Award.
Current NILGA president Alderman Hazel Legge said: “On behalf of the NILGA Executive and staff, I extend our deepest sympathies to Dermot’s family, friends and former colleagues.
“Dermot Curran gave an extraordinary lifetime of service to local government and to the people and communities he represented.
“As a founding member of NILGA, Dermot was a highly respected president, office bearer and long-standing Executive member.
“His leadership was marked by warmth, determination and an unwavering belief in the value of local democracy.
“He was a steadfast champion of local economic development, town-centre regeneration, the fishing industry and the communities of Downpatrick and Ardglass.
“Across political and council boundaries, Dermot earned enormous respect for his decency, collegiality and commitment to public service.
“His contribution to NILGA and to local government across Northern Ireland was immense, and his legacy will endure in the communities he served and among the many colleagues he encouraged and inspired.”
The NILGA president added: “We mourn the loss of a distinguished public servant and a much-valued friend. Our thoughts are with Karen and the entire Curran family at this time.”
The SDLP member was lauded across the political divide by his fellow elected members in the Newry chamber in 2019 as the then longest serving councillor in Northern Ireland and again in 2023 at his retirement.
Speaking on the news of his passing, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson, Glyn Hanna said: “Following the passing of former chair of Down District Council, Cllr Dermot Curran, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
“I will be paying tribute as chairperson to Mr Curran at my next meeting of the full council.”
Dermot Curran’s funeral will take place today 21 October at 1pm in St Nicholas’ Church Ardglass. Interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery Dunsford.
