Tributes have been pouring in for the longtime Sligo county councillor Margaret Gormley, who has passed away.
She was a member of the council for almost 40 years.
Although she had been battling illness for some time, news of her death this morning came as a shock to her many friends, colleagues and constituents.
That was the late Cllr. Margaret Gormley speaking to Ocean FM in the count centre in Sligo after she was last elected to Sligo County Council, for the Ballymote/Tubbercurry/West Sligo Municipal District.
A consistent poll-topper, serving as a councillor was her life, a role she relished none more so than when fighting for her rural South Sligo area.
She was equally as adamant in defending her role as an Independent.
As a councillor, she was also carrying on a proud family tradition, her father Willie having served on the council from 1942 until 1980.
Margaret then took over the political torch, when she was co-opted to fill his seat on the council.
She was elected in her own right in 1985.
In her 40 years on the council, the Carrowloughlin, Bunninadden native was a staunch advocate for people living and working in rural areas.
Only in the past few weeks, she was again highlighting her almost 20-year battle to have the N17 Collooney to Tubbercurry road upgraded.
In 2004, she was Cathaoirleach of the council.
Earlier today, the current cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Martin Baker, from Riverstown, spoke of her dedication and work ethic.
TD in south Sligo Eamon Scanlon also spoke of her determination in fighting for rural communities.
Serving as a councillor was her life and, as she told Ocean FM after the last election, it was a role she not only enjoyed but was passionate in carrying out..
