By Lisa Ramsden
TRIBUTES have been paid to veteran local health campaigner Dermot MacNabb, who died yesterday.
In a statement posted online, the Down Community Health Committee noted Mr MacNabb’s crucial role in the campaign which led to the building of Downpatrick’s new hospital.
Describing Mr MacNabb as “a man of great foresight and formidable intellect,” the committee extended its deepest sympathies to the MacNabb family.
“The Down Community Health Committee is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dermot MacNabb, veteran hospital campaigner, who played a crucial role in the successful campaign to build the new Downe Hospital,” a spokesman for the group said.
“Dermot was a man of great foresight and formidable intellect.
“A calming influence, his wise counsel was greatly valued by all who had the privilege of working with him.
“He was a man of great integrity, who worked hard for social justice in our society.”
He added: “His faith was the bedrock on which his life was based.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”
The group’s tribute to Mr MacNabb prompted others to share their memories of him, as well as leaving messages.
Former Downpatrick councillor Anne Trainor, whose late father Sean Quinn was also a prominent community health campaigner, as well as a former chairman of Down District Council, described Mr MacNabb as “a true champion for healthcare,” before adding “Dermot’s legacy lives on”.
In his message of condolence, former local journalist Michael Drake noted that Mr MacNabb was one of “the most progressive post-war farmers in East Down”.
Mr Drake added that he would remember him as “a quiet, deep-thinking gentleman in every respect”.
In addition to his tireless work campaigning for better health services in the area, Mr MacNabb was heavily involved in other aspects of community life.
County Down Rural Community Network’s senior development officer and manager, Nicholas McCrickard, described Mr MacNabb as “a visionary”.
Noting his involvement over the years with St Vincent de Paul, Mr McCrickard said he had the pleasure of knowing Mr MacNabb, and was sad to learn of his passing.
“Dermot was an early leader in the development of the Ballymote Community Project, and was responsible for the creation of over 150 jobs at the Ballymote Community and Business Complex.
“I was very fortunate to know Dermot.”
He is survived by his children Vincent, Anita, John, Russell, Mark and Mary and wider family circle.
Mr MacNabb’s funeral will be held on Friday at St Patrick’s Church in his hometown of Downpatrick.
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