Tributes have been paid to a committed Whitewell republican Jim Gillen who died suddenly in late February after suffering a heart attack.
The former republican POW was well known in the Greencastle/Whitewell area. His daughter Mary is preparing to stand for Sinn Féin in the upcoming council elections and the father of three and grandfather of six recently became a great grandfather.
Chair of the local Sinn Féin cumann Conor Cunningham paid tribute to the 66-year-old who, he said, was at the forefront of republican activity in the area.
“Jim was a very valued and respected member of the cumann. He was active in the 1970s and 1980s and was instrumental when the area became a target for loyalism in bringing people together and organising,” he said.
“Everyone looked up to him. I was actually on my way to see him on Tuesday night when his daughter called with the news, it is a very sad day. He will be greatly missed.”
Former councillor in the area Tierna Cunningham said the respected great grandfather will be sadly missed.
“Jim was an inspiration to me personally, someone who I admired and respected for his dedication to our struggle. Jim was a republican activist from before I was born, and right up until he died he was at the forefront, providing energy and driving forward Republican politics,” she said.
“Jim had a great political analysis. He was extremely proud of his history as an IRA volunteer and former POW and he brought that proud tradition into his work as a party activist.
“His point of view carried authority, we all respected Jim and listened to what he had to say. He was such a character too, brilliant company always up for a bit of craic. I can still see him now marching up the road with his stick and aul’ Sanchez in tow.
“Very recently he was filled with great pride as his daughter Mary had been selected to stand as a candidate for Sinn Féin in the upcoming elections.
“He was looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail to support her.
“We will miss him greatly, all our thoughts and prayers are with Gillen family at this time.”
Jim Gillen was buried in Our Lady’s Acre cemetery at Longlands after Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Greencastle. Thug sé a raibh aige ar son saoirse na hÉireann.
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