Former Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has died, prompting an outpouring of tributes recognising a lifetime devoted to public service, community activism and the pursuit of peace and equality.
Mr Brady, who passed away on Friday evening, stepped down from his role as Sinn Féin MP in May 2024, bringing to an end a political career that spanned more than four decades.
He first entered elected politics as an MLA for Newry and Armagh in 2007, before being elected to Westminster in 2015, where he went on to serve three terms as MP.
Born in Newry in October 1950, Mr Brady was widely known and respected long before he ever held public office. He worked for many years with the Confederation of Community Groups, providing welfare rights and housing advice to some of the most vulnerable people across the Newry and Armagh area — work that was credited with quietly transforming thousands of lives.
In February 2024, he announced he would not seek re-election, saying it was “time to give younger people a chance” after a lifetime of service. His decision was seen by many locally as the end of an era.
Throughout his political career, Mr Brady was regarded as a tireless advocate for fairness and social justice, a committed supporter of the Good Friday Agreement, and a strong proponent of peace, reconciliation and cooperation on both sides of the border.
He was known for his accessibility and warmth, regularly assisting constituents with welfare and housing issues and maintaining a strong presence at community events and commemorations.
His Westminster seat was retained by Sinn Féin at the 2024 general election, with Dáire Hughes succeeding him as MP for Newry and Armagh.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald paid a deeply emotional tribute, describing Mr Brady as a “friend and comrade” who dedicated his entire life to the people he served.
“It is with deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of our friend and comrade, Mickey Brady,” she said.
“Mickey dedicated his entire life to the people of Newry and Armagh. Long before he ever held elected office, Mickey was already known across the community as someone who stood with and by the people. His work in welfare rights and housing advice changed thousands of lives, quietly and without fanfare, year after year.”
She said that when he entered elected politics, he brought with him values of integrity, kindness, decency and justice, always putting the needs of ordinary people first.
“Mickey was an Irish republican of deep conviction. He believed completely in the peace process, in reconciliation, and in a united Ireland built on equality and respect for all,” she said.
“He was also a gentle soul – warm, witty, and unfailingly generous with his time. He treated everyone with respect.”
Ms McDonald extended condolences to his wife Caroline, his children Saoirse, Michael, Sean and Niall, his stepchildren and grandchildren, saying their loss was “immeasurable”.
“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to express our profound gratitude for Mickey’s lifetime of service to the people he loved so much,” she added. “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.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Mr Brady will be remembered as a devoted family man and a steadfast public servant whose legacy is firmly rooted in the people and communities of Newry and Armagh.
Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “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.”
Funeral details are expected to be announced in due course.
