“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.”
From Sinn Féin
Tributes have been paid to the late Mickey Brady, former Sinn Féin MP and MLA, who sadly passed away on 16 January. Following the announcement of the death of the well-loved and highly respected republican activist, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said, “I want to extend my deep condolences to his wife Caroline and all his family and friends in Newry/Armagh. Their loss is immeasurable, and we hold them close in our hearts at this time.”
The Sinn Féin leader continued: “It is with deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of our friend and comrade, Mickey Brady. 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.
“When Mickey entered elected politics, he brought those same values with him. Integrity. Kindness. Decency. Justice. He had a fierce commitment to fairness. Mickey served as a Sinn Féin MLA and later as MP with humility and determination, 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. He was also a gentle soul – warm, witty, and unfailingly generous with his time. He treated everyone with respect. Most of all, Mickey Brady was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Today our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Caroline, his children Saoirse, Michael, Sean and Niall, his stepchildren and grandchildren, and all those who loved him. Their loss is immeasurable, and we hold them close in our hearts.”
She concluded, “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. 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.”
Leas Uachtarán Shinn Féin, Michelle O’Neill, also expressed her sadness and paid tribute to the former MP and MLA. Ms. O’Neill said: “It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the death of our dear friend, Mickey Brady. 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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
- This article was originally published in Sinn Féin’s email bulletin on 23/1/2026.
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