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The death has been announced of Ronnie Fay, the co-director of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.
Ms Fay worked with the organisation for almost 40 years. She was also a community worker and was the chairwoman of Community Work Ireland.
In a statement, Pavee Point said Ms Fay’s passing was untimely. The centre extended its sympathies to her husband, Philip Watt
It also offered their condolences to her children, Jonathan, Veronica and Patrick, her brother and sisters, including her sister Oonagh who also works for Pavee Point, and to all of her extended family.
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“Ronnie will be a huge loss for us, for all we work with and for all concerned with Traveller and Roma human rights here and everywhere.”
The statement said Ms Fay gave her life to promoting equality and social justice. “She led Pavee Point’s work locally, nationally and internationally with courage and conviction even during the last two years of Covid and including when she was already unwell.”
She was also an active camogie, hurling and sports enthusiast.
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Ms Fay, saying: “Ronnie worked tirelessly to improve living circumstances, status and participation of the Traveller and Roma community and she continuously fought for social justice, greater solidarity, development, equality and human rights.”
Mr Higgins said that Ms Fay’s activism, along with the assistance of Traveller leaders and community workers, changed the lives of many members of the Traveller community. “Her contribution was of such immense significance. She will be so missed.”
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman also paid tribute to Ms Fay and extended his sympathies to her family. “She brought humour, expertise, imagination, determination and fairness to her work in local, national and international fora.”
Mr O’Gorman added that her contribution was pivotal in reminding Government and society more broadly of Traveller and Roma rights and needs. “Even when seriously ill herself, she worked tirelessly to keep Travellers and Roma safe during the Covid pandemic. The impact of her work will continue to be felt for many, many years.”
Many tributes to Ms Fay were also posted on social media, with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) saying she was a steadfast and unyielding champion of human rights and equality. “Her legacy will live on through the work of those who follow in her footsteps.”
Dr Rosaleen McDonagh, an IHREC member and a Traveller and disability rights activist, said Ms Fay was a dear friend and mentor. “Thanks for the time attention and commitment to our struggle . . . you are loved.”
The Simon Community, the National Women’s Council, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Rape Crisis Network, the National Traveller Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the National Youth Council of Ireland also paid their respects.