Seamie O’ Boyle was a working class hero.
His life was a testament to everything good in the human spirit. Seamie had it hard growing up. He was born an orphan in the 1950’s and spent many nights on the streets. For some people this start in life would understandably have been too much, but Seamie came to a political conclusion – life is not fair but it can be changed with courage, honestly and human decency. Seamie had all of these qualities in bucket loads.
He spent his life building a family, solidifying friendships and fighting for the working class. People loved Seamie for this and his passing has left a void that will never be filled. Other people have their own memories of Seamie, but People Before Profit met him six years ago in the middle of the economic crisis.
From the start, Seamie knew two things instinctively. Working people didn’t cause the crisis, but they would be forced to pay for it without a fight back. Seamie spent his last years building this fight back.
He joined the Sligo Workers Alliance in 2009 and People Before Profit in 2013. We took this as a genuine badge of honour. Whether it was a campaign for home help workers, a fight for marriage equality or a campaign against water charges, Seamie was always in the thick of it. His politics were simple and progressive - for people power, democracy and social justice against discrimination, inequality and scapegoating.
These are just some of the reasons that people elected Seamie to the council last year. Seamie was incredibly proud to have been elected and he threw himself into his council work with gusto. This is only one small part of Seamie’s legacy. He leaves a loving family, lifelong friends and a reputation for decency that will live on in his community.
We salute a fallen friend and comrade. The fight goes on for a fairer Ireland and Seamie will be there with us every step of the way. Rest in peace comrade – our future struggles will be made in your memory.
People Before Profit Sligo.