Articles by Ruairi Scott Byrne

Technology

Tributes pour in for 'formidable' Dublin woman who helped end Ireland's contraception ban

Tributes have been paid following the death of Dublin woman Mary ‘May’ McGee, who won a landmark ruling in the Supreme Court which led to the legalisation of contraception in Ireland. In 1972, May and her husband Séamus McGee approached a solicitor to raise concerns about a banned contraceptive. Then 27, May was a mother of four children, including twins, who had been informed that future pregnancies would endanger her health. The Skerries-native had suffered severe medical complications during her first three pregnancies, and her doctor unequivocally warned that another pregnancy could prove to be fatal She was advised by her doctor that contraception would be the right course of action, but due to Irish laws she had to import this product. As a result, May and Séamus attempted to import a spermicidal jelly from the UK to prevent future pregnancies, but the package was seized by customs and the couple were threatened with prosecution. The McGees then decided to take legal action and lodged a case in the High Court arguing that the 1935 law banning importation and sale of contraceptives was unconstitutional. The High Court initially ruled against them, but a year later, in 1973, the couple won their case on appeal at the Supreme Court and contraception was subsequently legalised in Ireland six years later. The case transformed the Irish political landscape and paved the way for vastly improved reproductive choice for women. Last month, a mosaic dedicated to May was unveiled in Floraville park by Skerries Tidy Towns to recognise her lasting legacy. May's family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at Beaumont Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 81, with tributes pouring in for 'a formidable woman who changed Irish history'. One mourner said: "Martin, Andrea and all the family, our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your wonderful mum. Always enjoyed May's company when we were lucky to be in her presence. May had a heart of gold and always a wonderful smile. May you ll be greatly missed not just by your family but by all who knew and loved you xx." Another person added: "A formidable woman who changed Irish history. A kind and gentle soul, truly a selfless person. She will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam." While a third person said: "Aisling and Ronan, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of May. Your granny was an extremely kind woman, and was enjoyable & interesting to talk to during the times I've met her. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, May." May will lie in repose at Lannon's Funeral Home from 6pm to 8pm on Friday ahead of removal Saturday to Dardistown Crematorium for a celebration of her life at 10am. May's family have requested that bright colours be worn to the service. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.

Technology

'The best man there was': Wife leads heart-breaking tributes to dad-of-three after tragic death

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a father-of-three who was found dead following a road traffic collision in Co Fermanagh last week. The PSNI and emergency service were called to the scene following reports of a single-vehicle collision, which occurred in the Pettigo Road area of Kesh shortly before 11pm on Friday, October 17. Alan 'Aly' Boyd, 29, from Castlederg in Co Tyrone , was found dead at the scene. The PSNI said his death was not being treated as suspicious or as the result of the collision. Mr Boyd was a well-known and popular figure in the area, having operated Harron Car Transport, which delivers and transports vehicles throughout Ireland and the UK. The local businessman is survived by his wife Kathryn and three children, Charley, Maddison and Cooper. In a message shared on the Harron Car Transport Facebook page , Kathryn paid tribute to her late husband as she announced that the business will be closed until further notice. "The best man there was," she wrote alongside a picture of her husband taken on the couple's wedding day in June of last year. "We will be closed until further notice, we will be back! There is a massive legacy to uphold and continue with the plans he made me very much aware of thankfully. "We find peace that he will guide us in the direction which is required but in the meantime we hope he will guide us and help through these painful days until a plan is made." The social media post was met with an outpouring of support, with mourners sharing their own tributes to the dad-of-three. "You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. May Aly's legacy continue to inspire and guide you. He was a true gentleman," one mourner wrote. While another person added: "Rest in peace Aly! Such sad news to hear. No job was ever too much this man will be hugely missed." A Service of Thanksgiving for Mr Boyd was held in his home on Tuesday followed by committal in Castlederg Cemetery. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .