Margaretta D'Arcy

We always remember dearest intrepid Margaretta with great fondness and love, and as has already been testified by so many, we know her spirit, her legacy, her voice will live on encouraging us and generations to come. Aside from knowing her for many decades as fellow campaigners – Greenham, Global Women’s Strike, Palestine and more - we have many memories to make us smile from a summer holiday with her and John in 1999 in Galway, when she showed great kindness and generosity to us and our children, and thereafter we felt a close bond. She handed over her home in St Bridget’s to us for 10 days – and revealed her mother-hen side – checking on us regularly that we were comfortable and had all we needed, making delicious unusual – of course - salads with locally-gathered herbs for a wonderful picnic, and regaling us with stories of the family living on an island without modern amenities. We appreciated her comforting messages when we were in grief. We feel for her multiple bereavements, losing a child in late pregnancy, two living children as well as her life partner John. Margaretta, always in our hearts, Solveig and Michael

Sincere sympathy to Margaretta's children and extended family on this sad occasion. I had many interesting conversations with Margaretta in Shannon for almost 25 years. Always a lady. May She Rest In Peace.

As so many of us recall, the word 'unique' pales when applied to Margaretta's spirit: such a range of insight and energy, across the whole range of human endeavour, combining art, activism and inspiration. As well as her doughty presence at Shannon, I recall vividly her words to us at a gathering in Cloughjordan many years ago, where she encouraged us to note the expansion of our own home-grown military-industrial complex - a timely warning! Margaretta used always ask fondly after my late sister Margy (Johnston), whose cremation took place just 6 years ago in the same Chapel as Margaretta's. My brother-in-law Andy Johnston shares my condolences at our and her family's loss: as he said, "Margaretta was one of the great women!" I don't instinctively associate my experience of Margaretta with 'rest', so I wish her spirit a plenitude of active peace.

Finn and Adam (and all the family) sincere sympathies from your old school pals.
May she rest in peace 🙏

Lost touch a long time ago, my memory of you is still fresh and bright, I recall your steadfast determination in your endeavors, you join the ranks of those who made a difference and touched the lives of countless individuals, myself included. Rest in peace.

My heartfelt condolences to Finn, all Margaretta's family and many many friends. Spending time with Margaretta over the years are memories I will forever cherish.
A true inspiration. Xx

My sincere condolences to Finn, Adam and Neuss and all the family on the death of Margaretta. My thoughts are with you at this time.

I first met Margaretta when I was as a teenager amongst a gathering of women at an International Women's Day radio planning meeting in her home. It was retreat in the city filled with books, art, pamphlets, posters and people! My mother Angela and her became comrades in arms at protests and knit-ins, they travelled the US making a film and recited plays and poetry. Margaretta was a force until the end and always fought passionately for a world free from the terror of war, the yoke of patriarchy and used the arts to invoke the change she wanted to see in the world. She will be missed. x

I’m very sorry at the news about Margaretta’s passing. She will be deeply missed both by her family and the communities and causes she supported.
As late as October she was active and present at the peace camp at Shannon airport and protested at the presence of US airforce planes on route to Gaza.
Margaretta was tireless in her advocacy against war, against the erosion of our neutrality, against war profiteering. And for women’s rights, including the wages for housework campaigns.
She was a champion of the underdog, giving voice to women, peace activists and prisoners of conscience all over the world. Her creativity and artistic output in both word, imagery, pirate women’s radio, drama and performance was recognised and respected by so many.
Words fail me in describing her vivacity and sense of humour, her inquisitive and compassionate mind, her relentless efforts to hold power to account. Truly she epitomises the expression- ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. I will dearly miss her company and her inspiration.
May she rest in peace and power, reunited with her beloved John.

Rest in Peace Margaretta, condolences to all your family.

Sincere condolences to Margaretta's family, friends and comrades. Thank you Margaretta for your deeply inspiring Art and Activism, for your integrity and inspirational spirit. Rest in Peace and Love.

RIP Margaretta. I never met you but your activism inspired me from afar.

Our sympathies to you with many happy memories of your parents visits to Mount Street Crescent. As children we witnessed the long standing friendship between our parents which I think was refreshed with wine and cigarettes over the years!

A long and impactful life to be celebrated.

Rest in peace Margaretta .
From Jim,Irene,Michele and Aideen Hetherington

Margaretta was one of the first activists I met when I came to Galway 25 years ago. Her presence at so many anti war public meetings ensured a lively debate and stimulating discussions. Margaretta attended thousands of events over the course of her life. She will be missed in Galway but her spIrit will endure. Rest in Peace & Power.

Our deepest condolences to Finn and all the family as well as to all of Margaretta’s friends and movement colleagues in Ireland and worldwide. We are so sorry for your loss, an immeasurable loss to us all. We will miss Margaretta greatly. We loved her very dearly and admired her very much. And we’re so glad to have been able to struggle alongside her against war, genocide, injustice and for valuing and supporting caring work that was such a central part of her perspective. Suaimhneas sίoraί, rest in power, Margaretta.

With love,

Maggie Ronayne and Kerry O’Brien
Global Women’s Strike Ireland

And on behalf of The International Wages for Housework Campaign and the Global Women’s Strike in India, Peru, Thailand, Ireland, US, Wales, Scotland and England.

A full statement by the Wages for Housework Campaign and the Global Women’s Strike in memory of Margaretta is available at:

https://globalwomenstrike.net/margaretta-darcy-our-dearest-sister-in-struggle/

A wonderful woman. Sincere condolences.

Margaretta D'arcy, a woman to be greatly admired, courageous, stuck to her beliefs and was pro active.

Sincere condonences to her sons and family.

Rest in Peace dear Margaretta.

Words are insuffient to describe Margaretta, an inspiration always and to the end. Rest well now

Sincere Condolence to Margaretta's.familey.
I was a neighbour in the Valley.
maney year's back.
My late mother taught the world.
Margaretta.She and John were great neighbours.May they both rest in peace. 🌹🙏🌹
I paied a tribute too Margaretta on
Monday last on anothe page.

Condolences on the passing of Margzretta. May She Rest in Peace

A super aunt. We have many treasured memories of her visit to our home in Norfolk several years ago. As always, she was feisty and good company. In particular, I recall staying several times on the island in Loch Corrib, which was always mildly chaotic but jolly good fun. Margaretta was kind and there was always something interesting to do - even if I recall sometimes spending too much time pumping water, with a really inefficient and loose hand pump, trying to keep the tanks full. Glorious summer holidays and memories. Thank you. Michael and CJ

As a fellow artist& activist,So sad to read of the death of Margarita D'Arcy..Heartfelt sympathy to all her family& extended activist family.I cant see Margarita resting in peace. If she comes across an injustice,she will battle to make it right.love& solidarity.Cxx

In memory of Margaretta and John who stood alone with some students and the traditional Republicans in Galway city during 80-81, almost everyday in Eyre Sq, in support of the H Block - Armagh struggle. Later she herself was imprisoned in Armagh & wrote the book “Tell Them Everything”. Bean agus fear ar leith. Buíochas as na cineáltais phearsanta níos déanaí. Suaimhneas síoraí di.
Máire, Mait & Patsy Ó Brádaigh.

Mo chomhbhrón le muintir Margaretta. Guth cróga, neamhspleách i gcónaí agus duine a chuir beart le briathar, go minic nuair a nach raibh sin faiseanta ná éasca. Cuimhneoidh na mná agus na fir a bhí ar agóid in Ard Mhacha agus na Blocanna H idir 1976 go 1981 a crógacht agus a tacaíocht - nuair a bhí go leor eile sna healaíona ciúin agus balbh agus as láthair. Go raibh maith agat agus suaimhneas síoraí agat.

Sincere sympathy to all who mourn the loss of Margaretta, a creative, fearless force who has left a huge legacy.
May she now rest in peace,
Noelle

Rest in Power you great inspirational peace warrior. Sadly missed. From me and all on the IAWM SC.

Our deepest sympathy to Finn and family on the passing of Margaretta. She was a truly inspirational lady and a wonderful neighbour. We will miss her greatly. Rest in peace Margaretta 🙏

What a truly inspirational and courageous lady. I was sad to hear the news. Rest in peace and power Margaretta. Your work for justice on Earth is done but your legacy and example will live on in many people that had the privilege of spending time in your company.

My deepest condolences to Margaretta’s family and friends.

She was a heroic warrior for justice, equality and peace: A voice, often crying in the wilderness. We shall not see her like again. Deepest sympathy with all her family and friends.

Rest in peace Margaret

Sincere sympathy to Margaretta's family and friends. May she rest in peace🙏

Thank you for inspiring many to stand up for their beliefs.... For giving your time, your voice and sometimes your freedom to fight for Humans around the World.

It was an honour to meet you, stand with you and see just how much one person can do by just standing up to those who thought they had power.

Slan agus go ndéanfá éirí amach i síocháin.

Sincere sympathy to Margaretta's family and friends. She was an inspirational to all who knew her, the west has lost one it’s greatest activists. May she rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathies to Finn + all the family on the passing of your amazing mother + activist for many causes. Her fearless spirit + big heart did so much for so many. May she rest in peace shinning her light from above.

Sincere condolences to Margarettas family and friends.
Thank you for standing up for the good in this world Margaretta.
May you rest in peace 🕊️

Condolence to family we will miss her around galway an activist to the last may she rest in peace

Deepest sympathies to Finn and to all his family on Margaretta's passing. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

I wish to send my sincere sympathy to all of Margaretta s family and friends I seen her stand with the Mayo people over the Shell 🛢 oil sell out and also supporting the turf cutters right to cut there own turf may she rest in peace 🙏 🪦 now

Margaretta was one of a kind, a kind that puts humankind foremost. Her persistence and range of supportiveness were truly remarkable. Her long life was indeed well spent. May her spirit continue to shine out.

Sincere condolences to Margaretta’s family and friends. Her courage and passion were truly inspirational and she will be greatly missed.

Margaretta it was a pleasure to have known you , you were one great lady that will be sadly missed by all who knew you , May your gentle soul rest in peace with the heavenly father and the angels ,Sleep tight in gods arms you deserve it
CONDOLENCES TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS 🧡

Laoch ar lár. Leaba i measc na naomh. Có-bhrón ó chroí don teaghlach.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the wonderful, inspirational Margaretta D'Arcy. A remarkable, courageous, funny person who changed the world for the better. Sail on, Pirate Sister

Condolences to Finn, Adam, Neuss and the D'Arcy and Arden families on the passing of Margaretta. I have lovely memories of Margaretta when she lived in Corrandulla. May she now rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Magarette. She was a wonderful woman who followed her heart in speaking out against the wrongs she believed could be put to right She was also a wonderful caring neighbour who always had a smile and never passed by witbout a word and checking to see how neighbours were.
Rest in Peace Margrette..You certainely fought the good fight to the finish.
You will be sorely missed by all who knew you.

Lor Parslow

The Radio Pirate Queen, the courageous campaigner and creative activist for peace always … suaimhneas síoraí duit Margaretta and thank you. Heartfelt condolences to your family.

Margaretta you came and stood with us in Rossport, we are honoured to have known you, may you now be at peace, sincere sympathy to her family and many friends.

Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the Marvellous, Courageous and Inspirational Margaretta D’Arcy.

May her tenacious soul continue to inspire us all.

Deepest regret and sympathy for the loss of Margaretta. I offer my fervent wishes for her peace and happiness. May she rest in perpetual light and love.

Margaretta was a unique and wonderful person. She was a brilliant artist as an actor and creator of theatre. As well as classical theatre, her ‘Loose Theatre’ encompassed political, musical and Guerrilla Theatre. She and her partner John Arden contributed so much to the theatrical life of Galway.

She was a talented and fearless political activist who challenged and provoked others to join in the cause of civil and human rights. Her courage and commitment to humanity was passionate, endless and inspired love and admiration, especially in all those who shared her hopes for peace and a better world.

Visiting her in hospital, the night before she was moved to the hospice, she agreed that her life, led as an activist, had been a great life. But she also said that “there is so much more that needs to be done”. She spoke of her concern about prisons. She told me of her wish that there would be a special public day dedicated to prisoners.

Her last words to me were “We changed Ireland” and I replied, “Yes we did Margaretta”.

My deep sympathy to Finn and all her family and friends.

Anybody who had the privilege of knowing Margaretta, be it as a collaborator in her work in theatre, in activism for peace, for a future that would respect all life on the planet, will recall how fearless she was in seeking a space for the critical voices we and the future generation should strive to achieve.

Sabina and I were among the first visitors to Margaretta and John Arden in Headford. So many who were her comrades will miss her courage, creativity and wit. Hers was a life well lived in search of a truth for which she will be remembered

What a life , a constant brave light for what is right and good . So many of us feel so proud to have shared space in time with her , hear her voice at rallies and see her making her way only weeks ago to vigils, demonstrations and protests, it is a light we will have to carry on , when those in power flinch from standing up to those making livings out of war machines . She will be at the barricades with many more until there is peace in Gaza , and US military are out of Shannon ,may her spirit fly free . She will transform tragedy into triumph .

Rest in eternal peace and thank you for all you have done to make the world a better place x

Comhbhron o croi don clan agus do cairde Margaretta.
Buiochas mor do Margaretta fhein don obair ar fad a dhein si chun saol nios fearr agus nios cothroma a cur ar fail do gach duine...

To my dear friend, neighbour, and beloved matriarch Margaretta,
you held me in my times of grief, and I held you as you left this mortal coil.
I love you. Though the sorrow weighs heavy, the many happy memories we shared will forever raise me.

Your strength, courage, and fierce determination were matched only by your warmth, creativity, and fire. We will forever be vessels for your voice.

Rest gently, Margaretta.

My heartfelt condolences to Finn, Adam, Neuss, and all the family.

My sympathies to the D'Arcy and Arden families on Margaretta's recent passing.

Banlaoch ar lár.

Margaretta D'Arcy was a lady with principles, integrity and empathy which gave her purpose. A wonderful mother, aunt, grandmother, friend and advocate who used her gentle voice so we could listen. Margaretta was a remarkable lady with boundless energy leaving a legacy of a life well lived. We will miss her beautiful smile and gentle ways as she weaved her way around the streets of Galway - always with a pep in her step. A wonderful, kind and generous lady who had a heart of gold, and a wonderful mind with a genuine and caring nature.❤️

Very very sad to hear that this amazing lady had passed away, she was always there at the forefront supporting those who needed it most, rest in perfect peace 🌹

Our deepest sympathy on the sad loss of Margaretta from all the team in Boots, Headford Road.