A well-known aid worker has died following a tragic road accident in Guatemala.
Tyrone woman Sally O’Neill worked with Trocaire for 37 years, where she dedicated her life to working with the poor up until she retired in 2015.
Following her retirement, Sally continued to work in a voluntary capacity as a facilitator with prisoners and migrants in Honduras, where she lived.
The charity has expressed its profound shock and devastation at the news that Sally O’Neill, who worked for the organisation for 37 years, has died following a road accident in Guatemala.
Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra said: “We are heartbroken by this news. Sally was the heartbeat of Trócaire for almost 40 years.
“She was a truly remarkable person. Trócaire was only five years old when Sally joined.
“Sally built the foundations of the organisation. She embodied our values and through her courage and commitment to human rights touched the lives of so many people.
Tributes paid to Irish dad Philip Corr after tragic death on way home from cycle
“I was with Sally last week in Guatemala. Despite having officially retired, she remained a driving force for human rights in Central America. Her drive, passion and commitment was as strong as ever.
“Sally was much beloved by communities and human rights activists throughout Central America.
“She dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Her legacy will live on through the thousands of people whose lives she helped to improve.
“Our hearts go out to Sally’s family, particularly her children Roger, Rhona and Xio, and her husband, Roger.
“Although we still cannot believe she is gone, we know that she left an incredible footprint on the world.”
Sally worked primarily on Trócaire projects in Latin America but she was also involved in providing famine relief in Ethiopia in the mid-1980s and established Trócaire’s programme in Somalia in the early 1990s in response to a famine there.
Funeral details for tragic Navan mum Ann (Ena) Tobin who died in horror crash announced
In 1982, Sally and Michael D Higgins (who was then a TD) visited El Salvador to investigate reports of a massacre in the village of El Mozote.
They were initially refused entry into the country but were eventually granted access and uncovered evidence of a massacre of civilians.
Sally was appointed by President Michael D Higgins as a member of the High Level Panel for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad in 2012 and awarded the Hugh O'Flaherty Humanitarian Award in 2011.
Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: "I was greatly saddened today to hear of the death of Sally O’Neill Sanchez, a lifelong advocate for human rights and the dignity of all people, dedicating her life to working with the poor and the marginalised.
"Sally was a remarkable woman who made a tremendous contribution to Irish society and to disadvantaged communities across the world.
"She presented the best of what it is to be Irish, working tirelessly to empower those impacted by poverty and injustice.
"With her sad passing, Ireland and the countries where she had such a significant impact have lost a dedicated defender of human rights and equality for all. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Sally’s family at this most difficult time.
"My Department is providing consular assistance to the O’Neill Sanchez family through the Irish Embassy in Mexico and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Guatemala. All possible assistance will be provided to the family at this difficult time."
