Visitors are invited to leave messages of support on our New Guest Book 

The Death of Miceal O'Donnell, a close friend and active supporter of the Ludlow family.

11 August 2000 - The Ludlow family circle was devastated on hearing of the death, after a long illness, in Daisyhill Hospital, Newry, of Louth County Councillor Miceal O'Donnell (aged 67 years), a dear friend, good neighbour and a staunch supporter of their fight for justice. The Ludlow family had lost a valuable friend and supporter who will be dearly missed. 

The huge attendance at the Requiem Mass at Saint Brigid's Catholic Church, Kilcurry, and burial in the adjoining cemetery, gave a moving testimony of the universal popularity and respect that Miceal O'Donnel commanded from far and wide.

Living just south of the border, and a short distance from the Sharkey-Ludlow home at Thistlecross, Mountpleasant, Miceal had been a close and personal friend of the late Seamus Ludlow and other members of the family.

In his role as County Councillor, Miceal O'Donnell was always available to help the Ludlow family when asked to do so. Elected to the County Council in June 1979, Miceal, a member of Fianna Fail, held the post of Chairman twice, 1990-91 and 1998-99, and on the latter occasion he never failed to stand faithfully with the Ludlow family in their demands for truth and justice.

Speaking to the local Dundalk Democrat, 19 August 2000, Jimmy Sharkey, a nephew of Seamus Ludlow, said: 

Jimmy said that over the past twenty years Miceal had held the belief that the truth into Seamus' murder would have to come out. Councillor O'Donnell went on to bring the matter to County Council level, and in his capacity as County Council Chairman, attended a special Press Conference organised by the Ludlow family in Dublin on 18 February 1999. On that occasion, Miceal drove three nephews of the late Seamus Ludlow to the venue for the press conference.

Proudly wearing his chain of office as Chairman of Louth County Council, Miceal accompanied members of the Ludlow family throughout a gruelling day of engagements, culminating in a public meeting later that night at Dundalk Town Hall.

Later, in December 1999, Miceal seconded a motion at a meeting of Louth County Council, calling for an independent public inquiry into the murder of Seamus Ludlow. Here is how his contribution was reported by the local Dundalk Democrat (Saturday , 25 December 1999):

The Ludlow family was deeply honoured to have Miceal O'Donnell's unstinting support on that occasion, and to his family they extend their deepest sympathy towards their great loss. 

A great friend and supporter of the Ludlow family is gone, and he will be dearly missed. 

Ar Dheis go raibh a Anam.