Christine Buckley Dead: Reaction after Campaigner for Victims of Abuse Passes Away Following Long Illness
By David Coleman
Tributes have been pouring in for abuse campaigner Christine Buckley. The internet has been awash with messages of praise from grieving web users. Stay with us for the very latest as the country mourns the loss of an inspirational figure Tributes continue to pour in for Christine Buckley. One Twitter user wrote: "Christine Buckley RIP. You made changes in Ireland which were troubling but heroic in all proportions. God bless you." Another touching tribute read: So sad to hear of the death of Christine Buckley. Amazing forthright lady, may she rest peacefully RIPChristine"
Christine's heartbroken husband Donal has how his wife was a warrior for other abuse survivors. He told Newstalk Radio: “She touched a lot of people who were in same situation as her. “They opened their hearts to her. She felt she wasn’t just fighting for herself , she was fighting for others and their sense of dignity, sense of self-worth.” In 2009 Ms Buckley was nominated as the Irish Volunteer of the Year by the Ireland Involved Awards. You can watch a short film about the work she was praised for here. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has also paid tribute to Ms Buckley, saying he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by her death. He said: "Christine was a tireless campaigner for survivors of abuse. As Minister for Education, I had the privilege of working closely with Christineand other survivors from Goldenbridge. "They made a personal impact on me that remains with me to this day. “I believe Christine will have a lasting place in Irish history as someone whose bravery and commitment to justice led to significant and permanent change. “On my own personal behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fail organisation I want to extend my deepest condolences to Christine’s husband Donal and their children Darragh, Conor and Cliona.” Abuse charity One in Four has been the latest to pay tribute to Christine Buckley. A statement form the organisation read: "We are deeply saddened this morning by the untimely death of Christine Buckley and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family. "Christine was a courageous campaigner and advocate for survivors of institutional abuse. She was one of the first people who had grown up in a residential institution to speak publicly about her experiences of abuse. "Her participation in the "Dear Daughter" documentary brought the suffering endured by children in the care of the State and religious congregations to public awareness for the first time. She was instrumental in persuading the Government to apologise to survivors and to set up the Ryan Commission to examine conditions in the residential institutions. "Christine campaigned tirelessly and fearlessly for compensation and for services for the survivors of the institutions. She was not afraid to confront senior politicians and religious leaders about their failures and to insist that they meet their obligations to survivors. "As Director of the Aisling Centre Christine developed educational and counselling services to meet the specific needs of survivors and helped countless people to face the abuse they had suffered and to move on with their lives. "Christine modelled for us all how it is possible to overcome enormous personal adversity and through her courage and tenacity to force us all to address a great wrong. Ireland is a different and better place because of her life and work. " Spokesman for children's charity Barnardos, Fergus Finlay has hailed Christine Buckley as a "hero among heroes". Mr Finlay said: "Very sad news about Christine Buckley. "A fighter, a survivor, an advocate, a charmer, a hero among heroes. The world is a lesser place." More touching words form Christine Buckley's husband Donal. He said: "She was a warrior for injustice. She was a warrior for education and the benefits education can bring to people. "She was a warrior for people like her who spent time in industrial institutions." Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has spoken of Christine Buckley's 'courage and dignity'. In a statement, Mr Gilmore said: “I was very saddened to hear this morning of the untimely death of Christine Buckley and on behalf the Labour Party I wish to pass on my deepest sympathies to Christine's family and many friends. “Christine suffered greatly as a child growing up in the industrial school system in the Ireland of the 1950s. But as an adult she played a pivotal role in shining a light on the abuse suffered by children in the industrial schools and in campaigning on behalf of the many survivors of institutional abuse. “This state was a very cold place for children such as Christine who were placed in the care of the state. Yet Christine’s courage and dignity in speaking out has made Ireland a better place. “Her profound act of bearing witness has paved the way for other survivors of institutional abuse to tell their stories and to seek redress for the abuse that was perpetrated in the industrial schools system." Sinn Fein is the latest political party to offer its sympathy to Ms Buckley. Sinn Fein's spokesman on children, Caoimhghin O Caolain, said: "On my own behalf and on behalf of Sinn Fein I extend deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Christine Buckley. "Christine was a very courageous woman who spoke out bravely about her experience of the abuse that she and many others suffered in Goldenbridge orphanage. “She represented many thousands who suffered because of the scandalous actions of the powerful in Church and State. In doing so she helped to enhance the protection of all children. Suaimhneas siorai da hanam." Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald has also paid tribute to Christine Buckley. Minister Fitzgerald said: "Christine Buckley was a courageous and consistent campaigner for child protection and children's rights. "As a survivor of institutional abuse, Christine led the charge to lift the veil on Ireland's dark past and shameful legacy of child abuse." Padre Pio house: "Our thoughts are with Christine Buckley and her family today. She brought hope to many and was a voice for many voiceless." An emotional Facebook post put up by Christine Buckley's son Conor has revealed the Brian O'Driscoll visited his mum before she passed away. It read: "We all know how good Brian O'Driscoll is on the pitch. "But the true mark of this legend is what he does for others. "He dedicates so much time to Temple Street hospital and other charities. "Last night summed him up for me. He heard my mum was in hospital and he rang her up to cheer her up. "Four months ago he surprised her and called up to our house to have a cup of tea and a chat. Both these gestures completely transformed my mum's spirits. "Enjoy today, we will never see the likes of him again."
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.