PRESIDENT CATHERINE CONNOLLY has continued tributes to Margaretta D’Arcy, who passed away yesterday at the age of 91.

Connolly described D’Arcy as a “fearless artist, peace activist, and cherished member of Aosdána” in her statement this afternoon.

D’Arcy, who lived in Galway, was an activist for much of her life, and last year ran in the local elections. She recently handed back her honorary doctorate bestowed on her by the University of Galway due to links one of its research projects has with Israel.

She also had offered her support to Connolly during the latter’s presidential campaign, something the president acknowledged today.

Connolly said: “Margaretta was a woman of extraordinary conviction, an actor, playwright, filmmaker and writer who brought a radical honesty to her work.

“Her lifelong dedication to peace and anti-war activism was equally profound.

“Margaretta was a tireless advocate for global justice and a steadfast supporter of the people of Palestine, participating regularly in demonstrations and community actions grounded in her unwavering belief in human rights.”

Shannon Peace activists Niall Farrell and Margaretta D'arcy are detained by police as they attempt to block the runway of Shannon Airport in protest at the use of the airport by the CIA and US Military in 2012. Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo Niall Carson / Alamy Stock Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

Connolly said she “fondly” recalls her last meeting with D’Arcy just two weeks ago, and said she was grateful for D’Arcy’s generosity and encouragement. 

“Margaretta’s sad passing marks the loss of a singular voice in Irish cultural and civic life. She will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate to have known her,” Connolly added, and concluded with sympathies to D’Arcy’s family and friends.

The Arts Council similarly extended its condolences. Its chair Maura McGrath said D’Arcy “leaves behind a rich artistic legacy which includes memoirs, essays, plays and film”.

“Perhaps best known for her frank and fearless memoir Tell Them Everything, D’Arcy will no doubt be read and admired for generations to come,” McGrath said.

D’Arcy became a member of Aosdána with its inauguration in 1981. With her late partner John Arden, an esteemed English playwright who died in Galway in 2012 at the age of 81, she co-created “landmark works” including The Non-Stop Connolly Show and helped establish Galway Theatre Workshop.

She served several prison sentences over protests opposing US military use of Shannon Airport.