Tributes have been paid following the passing of a Portadown Councillor of “integrity and courage” and a leader for “social justice”.
Since the passing of former member of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition and independent Councillor, Joe Duffy on July 27 those who recognised his persistence and dedication to enacting “peace and equality” have paid their sincerest condolences.
Influential during the Drumcree Crisis in the 1990s, the Portadown man worked tirelessly towards finding a better future for those living in his hometown.
Paying tribute to a “dear friend” Julie Dougan Sinn Féin Cumann Portadown said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Joe Duffy, father of Sinn Fein councillor Paul Duffy.
“During the dark days of the 1990s, Joe stood bravely as one of our community’s strongest voices. He spoke with courage, standing for our right to live in peace and equality.
“Upon election in 1997 he said: ‘We wish to pay tribute to the Nationalist electorate who gave us a tremendous mandate on 21 May. They are a first class people who deserve first class treatment’.
“He upheld their right to be treated as first class citizens, every single day, whether on the ground in Portadown, in Downing Street, in Leinster House or further abroad.
“Our condolences and sympathy to his family, and his many friends among the people he loved. We also remember his beloved wife, Isobel who passed away this time last year.”
Concluding with a line of verse, the tribute read: “‘Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone; It’s with O’Leary in the grave.
“Then, Yeats, what gave that Easter Dawn; A hue so radiantly brave?'”
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd added: “Joe was a man of integrity and courage, he was a firm believer in equality and social justice.
“He stood with his community of the Garvaghy road during the Drumcree crisis and through his role as Councillor worked for all sections of the community.
“I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all who came to know him.”
Of their former member, TírnanÓg GAA club, Portadown said: “Joe was the father of members Paul and Michael, as well as Sandra, Philip, and Mary. He was also the grandfather of Reserve player Dáire.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Duffy family and the wider circle of friends at this difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
“Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.”
A death notice described Joe as the dear husband of the late Isobel and loving father of Sandra, Philip, Mary, Paul and Michael.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday (July 30) leaving from his late residence at 12.45pm to the Church of St. John the Baptist Drumcree for Requiem Mass at 1.30pm.
Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
