Tributes paid to Gaelic scholar.

Tributes have been paid to a leading irish scholar who died suddenly on Wedensday 7th August. Harry O`Prey a retired teacher, was a senior member of the translation service at the Northern Ireland Assembly where he specialised in Irish. The 62 years old death comes less than a fortnight after that of his wife Marceline who died on July 26th.

The father of two was a an active figure in the vibrant Irish language community in Belfast, organising and participating in many events.

The keen photographer was also the founder of the Christian Brothers past pupils Union Photography Club and is remembered for his sharp eye.

Deputy leader of the Alliance Party Ileen Bell yesterday spoke of her sadness at Mr O`Prey`s sudden death, "My husband and I have known Harry for fourty years and when he came up to Stormont it was just great" she said. "He will be missed by everyone- he was a marvellous man and it is sad to lose someone like him"

The North Down Assembly man said, Mr O`Prey and his wife Marceline had been" a very close couple".

Mr O`Prey`s appointment had caused some controversy, with some figures arguing that it would be an unnecessary expense, but he was unfazed by it all, according to Mrs Bell. "He was such an asset to the Assembly that no one cared about that argument". "Harry was a brilliant character, if you were down or annoyed about anything he would cheer you up".

Friend and member of the Irish community Seamus MacSeain also paid tribute to Mr O`Prey, "Harry was a teacher of Irish since he graduated from Queen`s University in the sixties, teaching in Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch" Mr MacSeain said. "He was a talented musician and played in a number of Ceili Bands. He was a very lively person who had a great interest in a wide variety of subjects"

A colleague recalled Mr O`Prey`s fluent translation into English of a speaker`s words which was relayed through the audio to other Assembly members. "He was highly skilled and spoke several languages. Harry was a great man, a real character and an absolute gentleman" he said.

The esteemed Irish scholar also took part in the weekly Irish Masses at St Mary`s Church in Belfast city centre`s Chapel Lane. Irish News August 10th 2002.