Sadness at death of Derry Republican Gerard McCartney
Gerry's remains going to Shantallow Monument at 1.30pm on Saturday - February 10.
There was sadness across Derry this morning as people learned of the death of well known Republican Gerry McCartney.
Announcing Gerry's death, Derry Sinn Fein said: "Lifelong Republican Gerard 'Gerry' McCartney passed away this morning.
"We shall gather at the Shantallow Monument at 1.30pm today [Saturday] to meet his remains. May he Rest In Peace."
Paying tribute to Gerry, his brother Raymond - former Blanket man and Sinn Féin MLA - said: "As a family, we are all heartbroken for Eileen, Una, Deirdre, Fionnula and Mairead, his sons-in-law, John, Eoghan and Ciaran, and grandchildren.
"Anyone who knew Gerard will know that he loved his family, and all that Eileen and Gerard ever strove for was that their children and their grand children would enjoy opportunities and hopes denied to their generation.
"Gerard knew that this would only be achieved by hard work, commitment and by ending the root cause of injustice and with that the lack of opportunity.
"Gerard was a Volunteer, activist, over many decades, the respect he had for his comrades and their families was truly inspiring.
"He matched that with the love of his family, especially Eileen who walked every step of their 50 year journey together.
"We mourn his loss but we are equally proud to say he was our brother, our comrade, our tower of strength through the many challenges we all faced together. Suaimhneas sioraí ort-sa, Gerard."
In an online acknowledgement, former Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "The Anderson Family’s hearts are so sore. We loved Gerry McCartney RIP - a legend is dead. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dílis."
Heartbreaking news, thoughts with our friends Una, Andrew, Raymond and his wife Eileen, his daughters and wider McCartney family."
The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation also posted its condolences to the McCartney Family.
The Foundation said: "Martin Mc Guinness Peace Foundation send condolences to Board member Andrew Mc Cartney on the passing of his brother Gerry. We also extend our condolences to Eileen, their children and the wider Mc Cartney clan. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dílis."
"Gerry was an absolute gentleman and a true republican. He stood up to injustice and spoke out. I will never forget his support. He will be sorely missed," were the thoughts of Karen Mullen, former Sinn Féin MLA.
UPDATES TO FOLLOW.