Celebrating the Life of Tony McNally: A Tribute to a Remarkable Legacy

My friend Tony McNally passed away from cancer at the age of 81. He was a passionate activist who dedicated his life to environmentalism.

In the 1990s, Tony helped organize “green shows” at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. In 2003, he founded Climate Change Solutions (CCS), a non-profit that became a key advisor for climate initiatives in the Midlands and beyond. Over the next two decades, CCS hosted conferences and promoted renewable energy technologies. Notably, in 2004, Tony launched an annual hydrogen fuel conference and later became an advocate for solar energy. He also served as a director of the Heart of England community solar farm and led the West Midlands Bright Solar Future taskforce.

Tony was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. His family moved to Birmingham after World War II in search of jobs. They lived in an old army barracks, and Tony left school at 15 without qualifications. He then joined the army and spent three years in Germany.

When he returned, Tony got involved in socialist politics. In the 1960s and 70s, he was active in the Young Communist League and the Communist Party, focusing on youth engagement, feminism, and environmental issues. He challenged outdated ideas and embraced reform throughout his life.

One memorable protest was on the day after Bloody Sunday in 1972 when he climbed the statue of Oliver Cromwell outside the House of Commons. This act was a stand against the shooting of civil rights marchers.

Tony dedicated himself to various causes, such as organizing the people’s marches for jobs in 1981 and 1983, supporting miners against pit closures, and advocating for nuclear disarmament. He also stood in solidarity with people from Vietnam, Chile, South Africa, and more recently, Palestine, fighting against oppression.

Tony leaves behind his wife, Ruth Longoni, whom he married in 1971, their daughter Rebecca, and grandchildren Emily and Lewis, along with his brother Tom.

Tony’s journey reminds us of the importance of activism and standing up for our beliefs. His contributions to environmentalism have left a lasting impact, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight for a sustainable world.



Source link