Shell to Sea's Maura Harrington pays tribute to the late Sister Majella McCarron

Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington has paid tribute to her friend and mentor, the late Sr Majella McCarron.

One of Ireland’s most tireless environmental and human rights defenders, Sr Majella McCarron, passed away recently at the age of 85.

She first came to prominence during her work on behalf of the Ogoni people in Nigeria whose lands were destroyed by oil production. She became an international voice for Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, during his imprisonment and after his execution.

The Fermanagh native supported people in Erris who were opposed to the Corrib Gas project and also backed the successful campaign against fracking in Co Leitrim.  

“She had a major role in Erris. Personally, she was mentor and my friend,” said Maura Harrington.

She fondly remembers Sr McCarron making her way from Dublin to Belmullet via public transport in December  2000 for the first meeting of what was then called the ‘One voice for Erris’ group.

“She made her way here to inform people really of what could they expect from large multinationals given her past experiences,” said Ms Harrington.

 “Majella was a staunch friend and supporter of Shell to Sea since it’s inception,” Ms Harrington stated.

“Majella’s sense of justice and her tenacity in pursuing causes of rights, of which there were many, was incredible,” she added.

Ms Harrington said she will miss her friend ‘forever.’ “She has left an enormous and worthwhile legacy behind her."