Tributes have been paid to Fermanagh-born nun Sr. Majella McCarron, who was a dedicated environmental and human rights campaigner.

“Sr. Majella’s life was marked by her deep compassion, her relentless pursuit of justice, and her ability to inspire those around her to act for the greater good", said a spokesperson for the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles.

Paying tribute to Sr. Majella, the spokesperson said: “She leaves behind a legacy of environmental activism and human rights advocacy.

“Her unwavering dedication to justice saw her fighting for the rights of the Ogoni people in Nigeria, against the environmental degradation caused by oil production, and later advocating for social and environmental issues in Ireland, including the ‘Shell to Sea’ campaign and opposition to fracking."

Born in County Fermanagh, Sr. Majella (84) joined the Our Lady of Apostles Missionary Order and spent more 30 years in Nigeria.

She retired to Ardfoyle Convent in Cork and died in Marymount Hospice, Cork.

Following her death, Sr. Mary Crowley, District Leader of of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, said: “We are, of course, saddened to see such a fine woman taken from us, but we are grateful for her vibrant and fruitful OLA missionary life and her impact on so many people, especially in Nigeria and in Ireland.

“Those who have known and lived with Majella, whether in Ireland or in Nigeria, know that as an OLA Missionary Sister, Africa was her love, and justice was her vision and her goal.

"She gave her all, courageously, and generously, in that struggle.”

Sr. Majella fought tirelessly for the people of Ogoniland as she became aware of their struggle when oil companies moved to the region and villages, natural habitats and farmland were destroyed.

She worked alongside writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. His letters and poetry were smuggled out of prison and sent to Sr. Majella before his execution.

The letters and writings were later donated to Maynooth University and published in a book called ‘Silence Would be Treason’.

One poem was dedicated to Sr. Majella and lamented on the connections between Fermanagh and Ogani.

Daughter of Ken Saro-Wiwa, Noo Sara Wiwa paid tribute to Sr. Majella on X [formerly Twitter] and said: “RIP Sr. Majella McCarron, the Irish nun who supported my dad's environmental campaign in the Niger Delta. By preserving the letters Ken Saro-Wiwa wrote to her from prison, she gave valuable insight into his thoughts and helped sustain his legacy. We're eternally grateful to her.”

In addition, Sr. Majella was involved in many groups across Ireland with a particular focus on environmental issues including Trocaire, the Jesuit Refugee Centre, Shell to Sea in Mayo, Love Leitrim, Greencastle People’s Office, and Save Our Sperrin.

Sr. Majella retired to Ardfoyle Convent in Cork and died in Marymount Hospice, Cork on Saturday, March 30, and her funeral took place at the covenant on Tuesday.

It was attended by her surviving family as well as fellow activists, friends and other family members.