Veteran Derry republican socialist Tommy McCourt laid to rest

The political mindset of Tommy McCourt was shaped by the inequalities he witnessed growing up in the Bogside, mourners were told at his funeral Mass on Monday.

Mr McCourt passed away after a period of illness aged 77 last Friday.

A founding member of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) and the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) in 1974, Mr McCourt was best known over recent decades as a community worker in Rosemount.

Mr McCourt was a key ally of IRSP founder Seamus Costello during the split within the Official Republican Movement, alongside fellow Derry men, Terry Robson and Johnny White.

At his funeral in St. Eugene’s Cathedral on Monday, Fr Shaun Doherty told mourners: “Tommy McCourt was described in his younger days as the 'blue-eyed boy' of the family.

"Raised in the Bogside, his family tell me that his political mindset was shaped by the inequalities he witnessed growing up in the Bogside.”

As his family gathered to celebrate the life of the late community worker a piper and harpist played a traditional air as his casket was brought into the cathedral. A large portrait of Mr McCourt was placed at the altar.

Fr Doherty spoke of how Tommy has ‘tried a few jobs in his life from telephone technician to even trying a bit of fishing even if he wasn't quite sure of his port from his starboard’ and he never ‘actually caught a fish’.

Mourners were told of Mr McCourt’s work over decades as a community worker in Rosemount.

“As well all know Tommy spent many years in the Rosemount Resource Centre, creating jobs and building community and eventually establishing that state-of-the-art centre.

"I read a post from Mark H. Durkan last night who said that 'Tommy always fought his corner, always fought for his community, and even on the odd occasion he even fought with me',” he said.

IN PICTURES: Funeral of Derry Republican Thomas McCourt

Fr Doherty spoke of stoicism during his recent period of ill health.

“He was remarkably strong throughout his illness, always held on to the slightest hope, even though he was realistic and knew that the prognosis was serious.

“I was deeply struck by this,” he said.

Mr McCourt is mourned by his partner Jackie, children Brian, Shane and Aine, stepson Darren, and wider family circle.

Following his Requiem Mass his remains were interred in the City Cemetery.