Marian Donnelly facts for kids

Marian Donnelly, born on August 10, 1938, is a well-known figure in Irish politics. She was once the leader, or President, of the Workers' Party. She also served on the District Policing Partnership for the Magherafelt area in Northern Ireland.

Early Life and Education

Marian Donnelly was born Marian Devlin on August 10, 1938. Her birthplace was Castledawson in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Her parents were Frank and Margaret Devlin.

She attended St Mary's Convent in Magherafelt. Later, she studied at St Mary's College of Education in Belfast. After her studies, she became a teacher. She worked as a teacher from 1960 to 1978. She also worked as a part-time teacher.

Early Political Involvement

Marian Donnelly first became involved in politics in 1955. She helped with the election campaign for Sinn Féin candidate Tom Mitchell. This was for the Mid Ulster area in the 1955 Westminster election. There was also a re-run of that election.

Donnelly was a founding member of the South Derry Civil Rights Association. She was also its first Secretary. This group was a local part of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. Her husband, Francie Donnelly, was the first Chairman of this group. He was also an important member of the Workers' Party.

As a key member of the Civil Rights Association, she was present at Bloody Sunday in January 1972. This was a tragic day when soldiers fired at civil rights marchers. Fourteen people were killed during this event.

Political Career Highlights

Marian Donnelly became active in Sinn Féin in the 1960s. When the organization split in 1970, she stayed with the group that later became the Workers' Party. She has run in several elections for the party.

In March 1992, Donnelly was chosen as the President of the Workers' Party. This happened after some members left the party to form a new group. She stepped down from this role in 1996. However, she is still an active member of the Workers' Party today.

She ran as a candidate for the Workers' Party in the 1992 Irish general election. She competed in the Dublin North-East area. She received 239 votes. This election showed how much support the new party, Democratic Left, had gained.

In 1996, she and James McLaughlin ran as Workers' Party candidates. They competed in the East Londonderry area for the 1996 Northern Ireland Forum election. Together, they received 75 votes.

In 1997, she was a candidate for the Workers' Party in the Westminster election. She received 238 votes. She also ran for a seat on the Magherafelt District Council in the 1997 local elections. She received 37 votes and did not win a seat on the council.

In December 2018, she gave a speech at the funeral of Seán Garland. He was a former leader of the Workers' Party.

Personal Life

Marian Devlin married Francie Donnelly in 1973. Francie passed away on May 26, 2023. They had three adult children together.

She has been a member of the Glen GAC Club in her home area of Derry. She is also actively involved in the Bracaghreilly and District Community Association.

References