Colum Eastwood has paid tribute to Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh, prominent civil rights leader and organiser in Derry.
Mr Ó Dochartaigh passed away over the weekend in the Foyle Hospice.
Colum Eastwood said: "Very sad to learn of the passing of Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh, a leader of the Civil Rights movement in Derry.
"In his words 'There are different rights to be fought for now but it’s for the younger generation; we pass on the baton to them. Lotta continua- the struggle goes on.'"
Mr. Ó Dochartaigh was a member of the Derry Housing Action Committee and saw many of the events preluding to the beginning of the Troubles.
He was one of the organisers of the October 5 1968 march in Duke St, seen as many as the first day of the Troubles.
Mr. Ó Dochartaigh was an author of several books, most notably 'Ulster’s White Negroes: From Civil Rights to Insurrection'.
In 2018 Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh was awarded a lifetime achievement award, celebrating his involvement in the Derry civil rights movement.
John Kelly, whose brother was killed during Bloody Sunday, also paid tribute to Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh. He described Mr. Ó Dochartaigh as "a great friend and supporter" for the justice campaign led by families of victims.
Mr Ó Dochartaigh will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass on Wednesday morning at 11am in St Eugene’s Cathedral.
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