Tributes paid to Westminster’s retired Glenties tea lady

Warm tributes have been paid to Donegal native Noeleen Delaney who has retired after almost 30 years of service in the Members’ Tea Room in the House of Commons.

Noeleen, who was born and raised in Glenties, has seen six Prime Ministers come and go at Westminster, and looked after the needs of countless MPs, including John Hume.

She also received an OBE in 2005, a rare honour for a tea lady.

Tributes to Noeleen were paid on social media from politicians such as English MP Conor Mc Ginn, who described her as ‘warm, generous, lovely’.

Closer to home, Derry MP Mark Durkan said; “Noeleen has served all MPs with warmth and grace in the Members’ Tea Room for nearly three decades and has coped with all the pressures of circumstances and variable hours.”

“We have all come to value her charm, courtesy and care in the tea room, which is a home from home for so many of us when the Commons is sitting.”

“As well as her warmth and modesty, Noeleen is noted for her discretion. She is always ready with chat but never gossip. She is a great ambassador for Donegal decency and Irish hospitality.”

Donegal Daily would like to wish Noeleen all the very best, and a happy retirement.