Daughter of former Sinn Féin Councillor and internee describes her as "tower of strength"

by Gráinne Connolly

Tributes have been paid to former Sinn Féin Councillor Teresa Lunney (Tish Holland) who passed away yesterday.

It's understood she died after an illness. 

Teresa, who was from West Belfast, was the sister of murdered shop keeper Harry Holland. 

He was stabbed outside his own business in 2007.

Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey has expressed his condolence to the family and friends of the former Councillor and "community activist" Teresa Lunney. 

“Today the republican family and the wider community in West Belfast have lost a friend, a comrade and a life-long republican activist.

“Teresa Lunney was the second woman interned in Armagh Gaol in early 1973 and played a key role in the H-Block/Armagh campaign, including working to elect Bobby Sands as MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone during the 1981 Hunger Strike.

“Following her release from prison, Teresa was elected to Belfast City Council in 1985 representing the Upper Falls area and was also a member of the Sinn Féin outreach group.

“Teresa was committed to serving her local community and was a key driver of the Tullymore Community Centre in providing essential childcare, job opportunities, support for senior citizens, women and training and skills for young people.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin I our extend condolences to the Lunney and Holland families at this sad and difficult time.”

Meanwhile, the former Councillor's daughter Nuala has taken to social media, saying the family "heartbroken" and "devastated". 

She's described her mum as the "tower of strength" in their family and a "warrior":