SÉAMUS SHIELDS:SÉAMUS SHIELDS was a veteran SDLP councillor in Tyrone who overcame the failure of two kidney transplants and the loss of his hearing to energetically fight his corner as a public representative.
He was a byword for determination, and political opponents were in awe at how this small man with multiple health problems could have so much energy. He attended two committee meetings of Omagh District Council in the week of his death.
About 10 years ago, Shields retired from teaching due to hearing loss. So he began studying law and gained a first-class honours degree from the Open University - to add to a masters in maths he had acquired earlier.
He furthered his studies at the institute of legal studies at Queen's University in Belfast, qualifying as a solicitor.
He practised for a number of years, particularly enjoying the detailed work involved in conveyancing. Worsening health and the recession combined to force his retirement.
Neither, though, could dent Shields's determination. About 18 months ago, his right leg had to be amputated, due to circulation problems.
His main concern was whether he would still be able to drive.
Within weeks, Shields was walking about without the help of a stick. Unfortunately, his left leg had to be amputated earlier this year.
Two weeks before his death, he attended the wedding of his only son, William. He stood up on his artificial limbs and made a rousing speech, met with a standing ovation.
Séamus Shields was born in November 1946 to William John Shields, a farmer, and his wife, Mary Susan (née Kelly) in the townland of Foremass in mid-Tyrone. He was the third of four children, and the second son.
The Shields family had been in the townland for at least 300 years.
Shields's father, William John, was one of the minority of nationalist councillors on the old unionist-controlled Clogher Rural Council.
Seamus Shields was educated at Altamuskin Primary School; Christian Brothers Grammar School, Omagh; and St Joseph's Teacher Training College in Belfast. After qualifying, his first job was in Larne, Co Antrim.
He subsequently returned to Tyrone and taught in Carrickmore and then Garvaghy.
In Larne, he met Tyrone woman Una Mulrine who was starting on her career as a hairdresser; they married.
Shields's health problems had begun at 18. In his 20s, he first had to undergo kidney dialysis: he went straight back to work after each session.
He received his first kidney transplant in 1976. This failed after 14 years. He received his second in the early 1990s.
Unfortunately this failed after a few years.
Shields was of the generation that took part in the civil rights movement. From then he was an admirer of John Hume, thus joining the SDLP. In 1989 he was elected an SDLP councillor for the Mid-Tyrone area of Omagh District Council, holding the seat until his death.
He was predeceased by his sister Mary (Girvan), and is survived by his wife Una; his daughters Dervla and Aifric; his son William; his sister Bridie (Breen); his brother Liam; and his extended family.
Séamus Shields: born November, 1946; died August, 2012