Republican News · Thursday 15 May 2003

Eileen Fleming

Eileen Fleming passed away at the Waterside Hospital on Saturday 19 April after a number of years of declining health. Eileen was Mother to a family of twelve - six boys and six girls - that she was left to raise on her own after the death of her husband George at an early age.

A Waterside woman at heart, Eileen, although never forgetting her Gorbal roots, became a lynchpin in her new environment in the Creggan. In the early days in Creggan, when there were few amenities and dependence on the assistance of neighbours in times of crisis was part of daily life, Eileen was there in every circumstance. She was a confidante when a friendly ear was all that was needed, a midwife's aide at the birth of neighbours' children and a comforter at times of bereavement. She was what could be described as a community builder, as she involved herself in the development of the Creggan community from its earliest days. But she maintained her links with the Waterside.

A set date in the calendar for Eileen along with a number of other former Waterside residents was their weekly Tuesday night trip to the St Anthony's Novena in the Waterside Chapel. The period euphemistically referred to as the 'Troubles' brought special burdens for Eileen and her family.

The Fleming family all inherited the love of country from their mother, a committed republican and each contributed to the republican struggle in their own particular way. The Fleming home was open to republicans from far and near. There was always an open door at 30 Leenan Gardens, a place to meet or sleep and a bite to eat.

As was stated by a leading republican at Eileen's funeral, she was a second mother to any republican that was lucky enough to have known her. As a result, the family home came under special attention from the RUC and British Army and was regularly wrecked during the many house raids. But this didn't deter 'Ma' Fleming, as she was affectionately known. She continued for as long as she was active to play a role in the struggle for Freedom, Justice and Equality.

The republican movement in Derry and further afield has lost another stalwart of the struggle. Eileen Fleming will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Eileen's son Frankie also passed away on Saturday 11 May, after a long illness. Frankie was buried on Tuesday 13 May.

Our sincerest condolences are extended to the Fleming family, Liam, Molly, Sheila, Johnny, Hugh, Colm, Nuala, Roisin, Mary Lou, Dominic (Doc) and Imelda. Also to sons and daughters-in-law, partners, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.