Urgent Tribute to Activist Margaretta D’Arcy, 91, Dies

URGENT UPDATE: Margaretta D’Arcy, renowned peace activist and artist, has passed away at the age of 91 in Galway, leaving behind a powerful legacy of activism and art. D’Arcy, who died on October 22, 2023, had recently made headlines by returning her honorary doctorate to the University of Galway in protest against its research ties to Israel.

D’Arcy was a vibrant figure in Galway’s political landscape, running in the local elections last year with the slogan “mad, bad and dangerous.” Her campaign focused on empowering local authorities, stopping military flights at Shannon Airport, and establishing Galway as a “beacon of peace.” This year, she actively supported local politician Catherine Connolly, who visited her in the hospital just weeks before her passing.

For over seven decades, D’Arcy championed causes related to human, animal, and environmental rights. She aligned her advocacy for animal rights and veganism with her commitment to world peace. Her involvement with Sentient Rights Ireland exemplified her holistic approach to activism.

D’Arcy’s health had been declining as she underwent treatment for cancer, but this did not deter her spirit. She was a familiar face at protests advocating for Palestinian rights, even using a walker to attend events in her final years. Her activism often led to imprisonment; she faced several sentences for opposing U.S. military use of Shannon Airport, including time in solitary confinement at Armagh prison.

Born in London in 1934, D’Arcy’s heritage deeply influenced her activism. Her father, Joseph D’Arcy, was a member of the IRA during the War of Independence, and her mother was of Russian Jewish descent. She studied drama at Trinity College, setting the stage for a life dedicated to challenging societal norms through art.

Throughout her career, D’Arcy participated in significant movements, including the Greenham Common campaign against missile deployment in Europe and the Shell to Sea campaign opposing the Corrib gas project in north Mayo. Her refusal to honor the memory of a murdered PSNI officer at an Aosdána meeting in 2011 highlighted her unwavering stance on political issues.

Her creative contributions included novels like Tell Them Everything (1962) and a collection of essays titled Awkward Corners (1988). D’Arcy’s plays received recognition from RTÉ and BBC, showcasing her commitment to storytelling that reflected societal struggles.

Prominent figures in the arts, like former Abbey Theatre artistic director Lelia Doolan, hailed D’Arcy as a “warrior.” Community members from Rossport remembered her steadfast support during the Corrib gas campaign, emphasizing her influence on local activism.

In a poignant final act, D’Arcy returned her honorary doctorate and ceremonial garments to the University of Galway last month, expressing her discontent over the university’s involvement in a controversial research project with the Technion Institute of Technology, which has ties to the Israeli Defense Forces. Campaigners continue to urge the university to sever these connections, while the university maintains its contractual obligations.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Margaretta D’Arcy’s legacy as a passionate advocate for peace, justice, and the environment will undoubtedly inspire future generations. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in the ongoing struggle for a better world.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.