Bishop William Crean, chair of Trócaire, has expressed his deep sorrow and condolences to the family of Sally O’Neill who died last night in Guatemala following a road accident. Sally had worked for Trócaire for 37 years prior to her retirement in 2015.
Bishop Crean said, “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sally O’Neill who contributed so much to global justice over her full career of 37 years working with Trócaire.
“I wish to echo the tribute of Archbishop Eamon Martin who described Sally as ‘a true missionary of mercy and justice’. Through Sally’s work with marginalised and vulnerable communities around the world, and particularly in her beloved Latin America, Sally has left an enormous legacy. Sally was driven by an irrepressible passion for human rights and justice – a passion that never waned. This was exemplified in that, despite having retired from Trócaire four years ago, Sally continued working with communities in Central America to improve their lives.
“Sally’s untimely death has shocked so many people who loved her dearly. Sally’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief amongst all who knew her. As chair of Trócaire, I know the profound impact Sally has had on the lives of the most marginalised of our sisters and brothers. Having joined Trócaire in 1978, Sally’s extraordinary commitment has helped to mould the organisation and continues to inspire its work today.
“At this heart-breaking time, I know that I speak for all the bishops of Ireland when I express my deepest sympathies to Sally’s family, friends and former colleagues at Trócaire. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anam uasal.”
ENDS
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm 00353 (0) 87 310 4444.
