Statement by Jan O’Sullivan TD on the death of Dr Ann Louise Gilligan

Labour Party spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has offered her condolences to Katherine Zappone on the passing of her wife, Dr Ann Louise Gilligan. 

“It was with deep sadness that I heard of the untimely death of Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan after she bravely fought a short illness.

“Ann Louise was a champion for equal opportunity in Education during her time in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra and for the wider Equality agenda in her work with An Cosán and in campaigning so successfully alongside her wife Katherine Zappone in the Marriage Equality referendum.

“I first knew Ann Louise as an educationalist when I was Education spokesperson for the Labour Party and was hugely impressed by her passion for the role education plays in giving opportunity to those society frequently leaves behind.  She had a great sense of fairness and was willing to fight for it wherever she could.

“My deepest sympathy to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone whose marriage to Ann Louise was a shining example of how important it was for Ireland to give the same opportunity for happiness to same-sex couples.  Her loss is great and Ann Louise has left an important legacy.”