On the Death of Rita O’Hare
By Mary Lou McDonald
“I am deeply saddened by the news that Rita O’Hare – a powerhouse within Sinn Féin and the Irish republican struggle – has died. It is a sad day for Republicans throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and for Rita’s many friends beyond these shores, particularly in the United States. But above all, this is a devastating loss for Rita’s husband Brendan, her children Terry, Frances, Rory and Ciaran, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother Alan and members of the wider family.
“Rita O’Hare has been an influential Republican activist for decades and an important figure in the Irish Peace Process. An integral part of the Sinn Féin leadership at important stages of the party’s development and during era-defining stages of the Peace Process, Rita worked with great drive, energy and ability for the unity of Ireland, for a more just society, and for the cause of peace and reconciliation
“A highly intelligent and strategic political thinker, Rita was also an articulate communicator and skilled publicist who was to the fore in pushing the boundaries, allowing Sinn Féin to develop into the modern, successful and popular political party that it is today. Rita’s key role in these developments will be her enduring political legacy.
“Rita was born and raised in Belfast, at a time when the north was an apartheid state, defined by sectarian discrimination and the marginalisation and oppression of the nationalist community. Her mother Maureen came from the nationalist Ballymacarett (Short Strand) area in East Belfast, while her father Billy was a socialist and internationalist who was born a Protestant in East Belfast to an English father and Welsh mother.
“Rita became involved in the Civil Rights campaign and later in Republican resistance to British state repression. Forced to go ‘on the run’ in the early 1970s, for her active opposition to British rule and military aggression, Rita later settled with her family in Dublin. She remained a dedicated and committed Republican activist and was imprisoned for three years in this state for her republican activities. A British attempt to have Rita extradited was blocked by the High Court in 1978 when it ruled that her alleged offences were clearly political.
“Over subsequent years, Rita served as Editor of An Phoblacht; Sinn Féin Director of Publicity; General Secretary; and Party Representative to the United States. She was a key figure in building and sustaining US support during crucial years of the Peace Process, working with the representatives of various US administrations. She was a tireless, assiduous and effective worker and in whatever capacity she served, she encouraged the highest standards among her colleagues.
“Rita was also a loving partner, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. On my own behalf and that of Sinn Féin, I wish to offer heartfelt condolences to Brendan and to all the family.
“Ireland has lost a genuine patriot. Sinn Féin has lost a talented and valued comrade and we have all lost a very special and very dear friend. Suaimhneas sioraí dá hAnam.”
Mary Lou McDonald is the President of Sinn Féin
Taking Up the Baton
By Ciarán Quinn
a Chara,
This week we lost Rita O’Hare. She was a friend, a comrade, and mentor, and at times tormentor.
Many knew her longer and better than me. Those who can write better than I ever will of the woman we lost. Niall O’Dowd captured the essence of Rita as an activist in his piece on Irish Central. Mary Lou gave an incredible eulogy describing the urgent energy of a woman “who did not know her place”.
There were former prisoners and IRA volunteers, grown old and grey, carrying with dignity their unconquerable revolutionary spirit. There were neighbors, friends, and family. The new generation of Sinn Féin leaders and younger activists. I was proud to be asked to coordinate with her friends from the US who had traveled over. Many more tuned in to watch the service online.
I had not been to Glasnevin before the funeral. Had never made the time. As the US delegation carried the coffin on the final leg to the Republican Garden of Remembrance, I spotted the grave of John Devoy; “The greatest ever Fenian”, who lived and organized most of his life in exile in the US.
It was at this spot that Gerry Adams gave his oration. He acknowledged her role as an IRA volunteer, her work in Sinn Féin, and her essential role in developing and embedding the peace process. He thanked her family for sharing her with us. He asked the Grandchildren to carry the stories of Rita with pride. “Tell them that before they were born she fought for them and their future, so that you will all grow old in a free and united Ireland.”
Rita was part of something bigger than herself. Bigger than any one person.
Speaking about Irish Republicanism Gerry said, “It is a continuum. Like a relay race with each generation of activists passing the baton on to the next generation.”
The righting of wrongs and the struggle for justice continues. It may take different forms. it evolves and changes as progress is made. It never stands still. The graves at Glasnevin are proof that the struggle was there before we were born and will continue when we are gone until an Irish republic of equal citizens is established.
We are part of what came before and of what will follow. It is our role to progress Irish unity and build a true republic of all who share this island. Rita O’Hare played her part and made a difference.
This generation will not have to make the sacrifices of previous years. There is a peaceful and democratic pathway ahead. That is the gift and legacy of the generation of Rita O’Hare. The baton has been passed on. It is up to all of us and to those who follow to win the race.
Rest easy Rita
Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America