Tribute To The Late Jim McCurry From Margaret Ritchie

Lady Margaret Ritchie makes a Tribute to former Cllr Jim Curry (Newcastle Electoral Division).

Margaret Ritchie, a former colleague of the late Councillor Jim mcCurry, has expressed her sadness at his passing.

“Lady Ritchie said: “I was deeply saddened last Friday to learn of the untimely death of former SDLP Councillor Jim Curry who sadly passed away a few days ago.

“Jim was a former School Principal in Mayobridge and also taught in Newcastle. I knew Jim as the local politician. Jim was elected to Down District Council for the Newcastle District Electoral Area Division in 1981 concentrating on the Dundrum area where he was born and bred.   

“Jim served two terms on the Council for the SDLP from 1981 to 1989 along with former Cllrs Eamonn O’Neill, Michael Boyd and Paddy O’Donoghue.    He diligently served the needs of all his constituents on all the statutory and non statutory committees of the Council, and played a pivotal role in the Dundrum area to ensure that Eddie McGrady was elected as MP for South Down in 1987.  

“He had a very engaging ebullient personality and stoutly defended the Dundrum area in the Council Chamber and outside the Council Chamber.

“Extremely articulate and knowledgeable on a wide range of issues, Jim was passionate about the need for a new hospital with a suite of acute services in the Downe Hospital as well as representing his constituents on a wide range of issues.   Also, Jim espoused on social democratic, equality, and social justice issues and was committed to the values and principles contained in the Good Friday Agreement.

“For four years from 1985 to 1989, I sat beside Jim in the Council and enjoyed his company, counsel, knowledge and advice.

“Sadly, Jim became unwell around 13 years ago. My  heartfelt sympathies are with his widow Bernie, his children, grandchildren, sister and brothers and the wider Curry family in their sad loss at this time.     

“Bereavement is always difficult at any time, but is more acute at this time of the pandemic where restrictions on attendance apply to wakes and funerals.

“May He Rest in Peace.