TRIBUTES have been paid to lifelong republican and West Belfast community activist Lily McCurdy.
Lily, from Beechmount passed away last Friday, aged 94.
Lily worked in the historic linen mills of the Falls. She shared her personal memories and gave tours of her former workplace at Conway Mill to preserve the history of Belfast's linen industry.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll paid tribute to Lily.
"Deepest condolences to the McCurdy family on the passing of Lily McCurdy," he said. "Lily was a well known community activist, republican and someone who stood strong for her area and beliefs.
"Lily was my granny Mary's cousin and they remained close friends for nine decades.
"They always supported each other, with minding kids and with everything else that life entailed in those days.
"Lily also delivered my mother on a wintry November night when the midwife couldn't enter the Falls Road estate from North Belfast.
"Rest in peace. A life well lived."
Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Beattie said: "Deepest sympathy to the McCurdy family on the passing of their mother, Lily. A lifelong republican, Lily’s commitment to her community and the republican cause will be remembered with great respect.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
Lily will be reposing at her home 1D Beechmount Street. Lily’s remains will then leave on Thursday morning at 9.15am to arrive at St Paul’s Church for 10am Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.
