Terence (Terry) Donaghy:CLOSE FRIENDS of Belfast solicitor Terence (Terry) Donaghy, who has died aged 75, have said it was typical of him that he died taking part in a vigil for peace in the Middle East.
He was tireless in his work for reconciliation in Northern Ireland and in support of human rights abroad. A letter-writer, activist, community worker and campaigner, Donaghy had a wide circle of friends across society in the North and further afield.
Originally from Ballymena, Co Antrim, he began his working life as an English teacher at Bearnageeha school on Belfast’s Antrim Road close to where he lived. However, in 1972 he left teaching, returned to Queen’s University and read law – eventually founding his law firm Donaghy Carey Solicitors in the city centre.
The firm offered a range of legal services, especially civil work. His son and a nephew still practise there.
He supported campaigning organisations and community groups. These included the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, which was in keeping with his life-long passion for education. He also supported the Northern Consensus Group, the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, a host of community groups, training bodies and local initiatives, especially in the north of Belfast – many of which he chaired.
He was also a member of the National Democratic Party in the 1960s, a forerunner of the SDLP which he later supported and joined after its formation in 1970.
His friend, SDLP Assembly member Alban Maginness, described him as a “man of peace” who had made “an enormous contribution” to society. “He was dedicated to peace and so it was almost fitting, in a way, that he died at a vigil for peace in Gaza. It was typical of the man.”
Donaghy was also a friend of policing board chairman Prof Desmond Rea who said of him: “He worked the whole of his life in Northern Ireland and as long as I have known him he worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation between the two communities. He was well-known and well-liked.”
His wide circle of friends included former senator John Robb, artist Joe McWilliams, and former rugby international Trevor Ringland who is now serving on the policing board and is a member of the One Small Step campaign working for reconciliation.
Mr Donaghy’s interest in church affairs was well known. He was friends with west Belfast campaigner and priest Fr Dessie Wilson and with former president of the Methodist Church the Rev Harold Good, one of two independent witnesses who oversaw IRA weapons decommissioning in 2005.
Mr Donaghy also supported an interchurch group, the Evangelical Contribution on Northern Ireland.
Mr Donaghy is predeceased by his wife Ella and is survived by daughter Anita, now living in Cork; and sons Paul, a solicitor in the family practice; John who lives and works in the United States; and Leo, who lives in Dublin.
Terence Donaghy: born March 12th 1933; died January 6th 2009