Tributes to Omagh woman who was dedicated to helping others

TRIBUTES have been paid following the passing of passionate Omagh trade unionist and civil servant Eileen McFarline, who died recently following an illness.

Eileen dedicated her working life to public service and workers’ rights. A longstanding member of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA), she held several senior roles within the union, including serving as president.

Her dedication to justice and equality also saw her active in the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Industrial Tribunal system, the Northern Ireland Civil Service Appeals Board, and as chair of the Committee for the local Peace and Reconciliation Fund.

Throughout her career in the civil service, she worked in various departments, including a period based at County Hall in Omagh.

Kieran Bannon, former senior official with NIPSA, described Eileen as a person of ‘unrelenting good nature’ and a tireless advocate for workers and women’s rights.

Mr Bannon told the Ulster Herald: “A telling and core quality of Eileen’s person was her unrelenting good nature and desire to help others in any way she could.

“A typical example of this was her many years of trade union activity with the Nothern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA).

“A telling and core quality of Eileen’s character was her unrelenting good nature and her desire to help others in any way she could,” Mr Bannon told the Ulster Herald.

“Her election to the governing bodies of NIPSA and as president is a testament to the high regard in which she was held.

“She was a great advocate for equality and was deeply committed to improving the lives of others – not just within the union, but across the wider community.”

He added, “Eileen will be sadly missed by her friends and colleagues within the trade union movement, as will her remarkable achievements in looking after and protecting the interests of others.”

A service of thanksgiving for Eileen’s life took place at Armstrong’s Funeral Home on Thursday, May 1, followed by a private cremation.

Eileen is lovingly remembered by her brothers Danny, Brian and Gordon, their partners Irene, Tony and Rosemary, and her nieces and nephews David, Claire, Daniel, Sarah, Paul, Emma, Domhnall and Luke.