Tributes paid to veteran Republican Tony Hassan

The funeral of former Sinn Féin Derry City and Strabane District councillor Tony Hassan took place on Wednesday morning in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill.

The “tireless” community activist and veteran Republican was then laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

Tony died peacefully at the Foyle Hospice on Monday morning.

He was the beloved husband of Christine, loving father of Ciaran and Aine, father-in-law of Maureen, devoted grandfather of Dearbhaile, Callum, Niamh, Conal, Caoimhin, Tara and Oisin and dear brother of Dessie and the late Ann.

Tony’s family requested donations, if wished, to Foyle Hospice, in lieu of flowers.

In the last few days, many warm tributes were paid to Tony who championed the building of much-needed social housing in Derry.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald expressed sadness at Tony's death.

On behalf of the Sinn Féin leadership, she extended her “deepest sympathies to Tony’s wife Christine, his children Ciarán and Áine, his grandchildren and the wider Hassan family.”

Ms McDonald said: “Tony was a larger than life, much-loved and selfless character who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others and epitomised what it was to be a local councillor.

'Dedicated republican activist' Tony Hassan laid to rest in Derry City Cemetery

Oration delivered by former Sinn Féin councillor and mayor Gerry Ó hEára

WATCH: Veteran Republican Tony Hassan's coffin at Shantallow Monument

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald expresses sadness following death of Tony Hassan

“He was grounded in community life. He was at the heart of working to transform the Greater Shantallow Area and to build Sinn Féin in the city over the decades - 21 years of those serving as an elected representative.

“Tony never stood still. He will be fondly remembered for his determination to deliver more homes for families and the development of the Skeoge Road and surrounding areas, famously dubbed 'Hassan’s Highway', in honour of one of his greatest achievements.

“He will be sadly missed by the whole community and everyone who knew and loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue described Tony as “a dear friend and colleague whose passing will be a huge loss to the community he served for so many years”.

She said: “Tony dedicated over 50 years of his life as a community activist and political representative in the Greater Shantallow area, where he did so much to bring about positive change.

“He was tireless in his work to make life better for others and his kindness and determination to deliver will always be remembered.

“I want to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Christine and family, and my thanks on behalf of the City and District for the wonderful contribution he made over the years.”

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said she had learned of Tony’s death with “deep sadness”.

“My immediate thoughts are with his wife Christine, children Ciarán and Áine, and the entire Hassan family at this very sad and difficult time,” Cllr Duffy said. “A community activist and leader for more than 50 years, Tony’s whole life was focused on standing up for people’s rights and making his community the best place it could be.

“Tony Hassan was a stalwart and a trailblazer who was key to the ongoing regeneration of the Greater Shantallow Area, from new homes, community facilities and better roads.

“First elected to the old Derry City Council in 1997, Tony helped build the foundations for the growth of Sinn Féin in Shantallow and across the city as the longest serving councillor.

“I had the pleasure of working with Tony and learning from him over many years. His experience, advice and friendship was invaluable. He will be dearly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Having known Tony for almost 25 years, Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson said she could confidently say she had never met someone who cared so much for the people of Shantallow and surrounding areas.

Ms Ferguson said: “He was not only my boss at GSAP (Greater Shantallow Area Partnership) but also a good friend and great mentor and he will be missed dearly.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family, the wider family circle and all his friends at this time.”
Pádraig Delargy MLA said Tony was an “activist and leader” who always stood by his principles and did whatever he could to help others across the community. 

“He was hugely supportive to me as I embarked on my role as an elected representative and I am eternally grateful to have been able to draw upon his wealth of experience. We will miss him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

In a measure of the esteem in which he was held, Tony’s political adversaries also acknowledged his immense contribution to political and community development in the city.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of former councillor and community activist Tony Hassan today.

Tony had time for everyone and was committed to making greater Shantallow and our city better for all. Thoughts are with Chrissie, Ciaran, Aine and his Sinn Féin colleagues.

— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) February 19, 2024

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP wrote he was “very sorry to hear of the passing of former councillor and community activist, Tony Hasson”.

Mr Eastwood recalled: “Tony had time for everyone and was committed to making greater Shantallow and our city better for all. 

“My thoughts are with Chrissie, Ciaran, Aine and his Sinn Féin colleagues.”

Sending its condolences to Tony’s family, a spokesperson for Aontú Dhoire said: “A man with such a record of public service deserves nothing but respect.”

Just before Christmas, local publishing company Colmcille Press, released Tony’s memoir: ‘From Old Streets to New Homes: A Memoir of Derry, Bridge Street and Shantallow’.

In an online tribute, Colmcille Press said: “Working with Tony over the past months was a real pleasure and a great learning experience.

"Retired Assembly Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin, who presided at the Shantallow book launch in December, described his former friend as 'one in a million'.

He said: “Tony was warm and direct and honest as the day is long. He never shirked from giving his opinion - I really loved working with him.”

Author Garbhán Downey, who worked on the memoir said: “Underneath his sometimes tough facade, Tony was kindness itself and generous to a fault. 

“He donated all the proceeds from his memoir to Foyle Hospice, and in his final days was trying to organise a coffee morning fundraiser for them. Go raibh suaimhneas sioraí air.”