Marian Donnelly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marian Donnelly
|
|
|---|---|
| President of the Workers' Party | |
| In office 1992–1996 |
|
| Preceded by | Proinsias De Rossa |
| Succeeded by | Tom French |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Marian Devlin
10 August 1938 Castledawson, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Workers' Party (since 1969) Sinn Féin (until 1969) |
| Other political affiliations |
Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association |
| Spouses |
Francie Donnelly
(m. 1973; died 2023) |
| Education | St Mary's College of Education, Belfast |
| Occupation | Teacher (1960–78) Part-time teacher |
Marian Donnelly (born August 10, 1938) is a former leader of the Workers' Party. She also helped with local policing in the Magherafelt area of Northern Ireland. Her maiden name was Devlin.
Contents
About Marian Donnelly
Early Life and Education
Marian Donnelly was born on August 10, 1938. Her birthplace was Castledawson in County Londonderry. Her parents were Frank and Margaret Devlin.
She went to St Mary's Convent in Magherafelt. Later, she studied at St Mary's College of Education in Belfast. She became a teacher after her studies.
Getting Involved in Politics
Marian Donnelly started her political journey in 1955. She helped with a campaign for a Sinn Féin candidate. This was for an election in the Mid Ulster area.
She was a key person in starting the South Derry Civil Rights Association. This group was part of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. Marian was its first Secretary. Her husband, Francie Donnelly, was the first Chairman.
She was present at an important event called Bloody Sunday in January 1972. This was when soldiers shot at people demonstrating for civil rights.
Political Career
Joining the Workers' Party
In the 1960s, Marian became active in Sinn Féin. When the group split in 1970, she stayed with Official Sinn Féin. This group later became known as the Workers' Party.
She ran in several elections for the party. In March 1992, Marian Donnelly became the President of the Workers' Party. She held this position until 1996. Even after retiring as president, she stayed an active member of the party.
Election Campaigns
In 1992, she ran in the 1992 Irish general election. She was a candidate for the Workers' Party in Dublin North-East. She received 239 votes in that election.
She also ran in the 1996 Northern Ireland Forum election. She was a candidate for the East Londonderry area. She and another candidate received 75 votes together.
In 1997, she ran in the Westminster election. She received 238 votes. She also ran for the Magherafelt council in the local elections. She got 37 votes but did not win a seat.
In December 2018, Marian spoke at the funeral of Seán Garland. He was a former leader of the Workers' Party.
Personal Life
Marian Donnelly married Francie Donnelly in 1973. He passed away on May 26, 2023. They had three adult children together.
She is a member of the Glen GAC Club in her home area. She also helps with the Bracaghreilly and District Community Association.
