Posted by Jim on November 28, 2015
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has marked the 95th anniversary of
the British army killings of 14 people at a sports match in Dublin,
which became known as Bloody Sunday.
British troops randomly opened fire into the crowd at a GAA game on
Sunday 21 November 1920 during the Irish War of Independence.
The association marked the anniversary of the Croke Park stadium attack
before Saturday’s International Rules test between Ireland and
Australia.
The names of the victims were read out before the match, and 14 flames
were lit in their memory.
The dead included 24-year-old GAA player Michael Hogan, after whom Croke
Park’s Hogan Stand is named. Senior GAA staff laid a laurel wreath at
the spot where he was shot, followed by a moment of silence.
The event is often referred to as the original Bloody Sunday, to
distinguish it from the 1972 British Army massacre of 14 civil rights
demonstrators in Derry.
GAA Árd Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy said: The events of Bloody Sunday on
November 21, 1920 are as much a part of the history of Croke Park as any
of the epic sporting contests which have taken place there since Gaelic
games were first played on Jones Road.
The tragic loss of 14 lives on that fateful day, when almost 15,000
turned up to enjoy a football game between Dublin and Tipperary, was a
harrowing moment for the Association, and while we have thankfully left
those dark days behind us, it is only fitting that we honour the memory
of those who were killed.
The memory of Tipperarys Michael Hogan, who was 24 when he was killed,
has lived on through the famous stand at Croke Park that bears his name.
We are happy to play a part to ensure the names of the other 13 lives
lost at Croke Park on Bloody Sunday Jane Boyle (26), James Burke (44),
Daniel Carroll (30), Michael Feery (40), Tom Hogan (19), James Matthews
(48), Patrick ODowd (57), Jerome OLeary (10), William Robinson (11),
Tom Ryan (27), John William Scott (14), James Teehan (26) and Joe
Traynor (21) are also honoured.
VICTIM RECALLED
A gravestone was also unveiled at grave of Jane Boyle in Glasnevin
Cemetery on the 95th anniversary of her death in Croke Park on Bloody
Sunday.
Jane Boyle, the only woman out of 14 people killed by Crown forces at
the Dublin-Tipperary football challenge match on 21 November 1920 in
Croke Park.
Ms Boyle was attending the match with her fiancé Daniel, and the couple
were due to get married five days later. Initially it was reported that
she had been trampled to death, but records released in 1999 revealed
that she had been shot.
Her great-nephew Richard Staveley led the effort to have a gravestone
erected when he discovered his great-aunt’s plot in Glasnevin Cemetery
was unmarked.
His effort received the support of the GAA and the extended Boyle
family, many generations of which attended the ceremony at the graveside
today.
The stone was unveiled by her great-nephew’s Dr Eamonn Boyle and
Professor Tony Boyle, both of whom had travelled from the United States
to be there. Her niece, 91 year old Nancy Wynne laid a wreath.
Posted by Jim on
A century of secrecy for Derry victims
The scale of British state secrecy efforts in the north of Ireland has
been highlighted after it emerged that a British Army film file on its
murderous ‘Operation Motorman’ in Derry has been declared ‘locked’ for
a period of 100 years.
A Freedom of Information request from the Derry Journal found that
Britain’s National Archive had three military films from the 1972
operation, but one has been marked as classified for a period of 100
years.
Two teenagers were killed by the British Army in Creggan on July 31,
1972, as it sought to assert control in the ‘Free Derry’ area.
In 2011, an inquest into the death of fifteen-year-old Daniel Hegarty
finally cleared his name of British military lies that he was engaging
in armed resistance when he was shot dead. In that inquest, one
military file was also deemed classified for a century.
The controversy over Britain’s refusal to admit the truth in its
actions in the Six Counties reignited last week when a deal in crisis
talks avoided any discussion on dealing with the past conflict as a
result of British ‘national security’ concerns.
The so-called ‘Fresh Start’ deal signed by Sinn Fein, the DUP and the
two governments has been strongly condemned by groups representing
victims and survivors of state killings and collusion.
Daniels sister, Margaret Brady said she wasnt even aware that the
newly found film footage existed.
I find this more than strange. In fact I find it shocking. Why is
locked for 100 years? Are they again trying to wait until we are all
rotting in the ground before they reveal the truth?
They are just trying to manufacture a story that suits them. We have
political parties here talking about fresh starts. How can there be a
fresh start when the British government continue to hide things.
“But, like Ive always said, it is not the innocent who have to fear
the truth. It is those who committed these crimes who are running
scared, she said.
The other Motorman victim, 19-year-old IRA Volunteer Seamus Bradley,
was unarmed when shot by the British Army, arrested and tortured. The
process to get a fresh inquest into his death is underway.
Lawyer for the Bradley family, Richard Campbell said he had never come
across an incident before where material had been closed for such a
length of time.
We have made a request to the Coroners Service, who have
investigatory powers for their help in getting all material in relation
to Motorman released.
But, this is bizarre. Why is it locked for 100 years. What could be
contained in this material that is so bad that it is to be locked for a
century?, he said.
The lawyer said he will be tabling the issue at the next meeting
working towards the establishment of a date for a new inquest into
Seamus Bradleys death.
Posted by Jim on November 25, 2015
by Connla Young
ANTI-agreement republicans are planning to hold a commemoration to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Co Tyrone next year.
The National Republican Commemoration Committee, which in a statement justified “armed revolution,” gathered in St Patrick’s Hall in Coalisland yesterday to launch the parade .
The committee is affiliated to republican prisoners held on the Roe Four landing at Maghaberry Prison who are aligned to the ‘IRA’.
On the morning of the Rising in 1916 republicans from across the north gathered at St Patrick’s Hall to take part in the rebellion, but their part was eventually called off.
The ‘Unfinished Revolution’ parade will take place from Clone to Coalisland on Easter Sunday next year.
Among the gathering was Kevin Hannaway, who is currently on bail after being arrested in Dublin earlier this year and charged with assisting the IRA.
He is one of 14 Catholics, known as the ‘Hooded Men’, who claim they were tortured by the British government after being detained during internment in 1971.
In a statement, the committee said the planned parade will “serve as an opportunity for those who legitimately continue to struggle for Irish freedom, by whatever means necessary, to re-dedicate ourselves to the ongoing fight to end the British occupation of our country and the establishment of a 32 county democratic socialist republic.”
The parade organisers said the Easter Rising is an “unfinished revolution, armed and otherwise.”
“While we have listened to the opinions of those who state that the time is not right for a continuation of revolution by any and all means, it is our opinion that while the denial of national self determination and British occupation continue, so too will armed revolution,” it said.
“Those who remain true to the ideals and principles of the 1916 Proclamation need to publicly re-dedicate ourselves to the achievement of that vision.”
Mr Hannaway said he was happy to attend the march launch.
“I believe I have a common denominator with everyone in this room, I, with them, will always oppose the British presence in Ireland,” he said.
“I have tried to live my life as an Irish republican and I will go to my grave as one.”
Also in attendance was Derry and Strabane councillor Gary Donnelly and prominent Co Tyrone republican Kevin Murphy.
In 2012 explosives charges against Mr Murphy were dropped while in 2004 he was one of four men cleared of conspiring to kill police and British soldiers and possession of a rocket launcher near Coalisland RUC station in February 2002.
He was joined at the launch by Tyrone man David Jordan, who was recently released from Portlaoise Prison, in Co Laois, after serving a sentence for possession of a weapon and Derry man Thomas Ashe Mellon, who earlier this year completed a sentence connected to the discovery of a note smuggled into republican inmates at Maghaberry Prison
High profile Lurgan republican Paul Duffy also attended the event.
He was acquitted of paramilitary charges last month after a judge ordered prosecutors to hand over details of a tracking device used during a multi-million pound MI5 surveillance operation.
SDLP justice spokesman Alban Maginness said he remains opposed to the use of violence.
“The use of violence during the course of the Troubles was wrong and the continued use of violence is still wrong” he said.
“The Irish people as a whole, both north and south, have on a widespread basis supported democratic change in Ireland and that is the broad spectrum of opinion through the body politic in Ireland.”
Mid Ulster Sinn Féin MP Francie Molly said his party’s approach is working.
“We believe we have a strategy to deliver on the proclamation, it’s the right strategy and is delivering,” he said.
“We believe it’s the best way to bring about the republic proclaimed in 1916.”
Posted by Jim on November 24, 2015
The venue for the meeting was Cathedral High School in Manhattan.
By Aaron Vallely
Bringing back “democracy to the running of the New York St. Patrick’s Day parade was a particular focus of participants in a meeting of parade affiliated organizations held even as the parade’s immediate future appeared to be in the hands of the courts as opposed those same organizations.
The recently formed Committee of Concerned Affiliated Organizations held the meeting Wednesday last in Cathedral High School in Manhattan.
It was chaired by Dennis Grogan and John Manning, both leading members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians though the meeting was not a Hibernian gathering per se.
Between 150 and 180 people were in attendance.
Amongst matters discussed, was the idea of “bringing democracy back to the parade” and including more transparency in how the parade is organized.
The issue of on-going litigation between certain parties was raised, though not discussed in detail.
A case was made for greater accountability on the part of the parade board to the affiliated organizations.
This included the proposal to remove all board members who are not qualified under the criteria and current by-laws. This was met with a round of applause.
Election of the Parade Celebration Committee, Grogan told the attendees, should be by the delegates of the affiliated organizations of the parade.
Using slides as an illustration there was also a case made for the 2017 Grand Marshal to be elected by the delegates of the affiliated organizations of the parade, or at least by a committee created by the affiliates.
There was also what was termed “A Call To Action”, whereby affiliates were invited to put some pressure on the board to hold a meeting and discuss these issues.
Affiliates were then invited to ask questions or make comments.
Mr. Martin Kiely, an active member for 40 years, said: “I am glad some people seen what I have seen. Money is what causes problems, and the parade belongs to the people.”
Ms. Eileen Cronin made the point that certain members involved in the litigation deserved to get the credit for their hard earned work and not just criticism.
There were also some critical comments regarding the participation of certain groups in the parade in light of the decision to include gay marching units in the parade.
John Manning made the point that “last year’s decision is what it is, and still stands.”
Afterwards, Dennis Grogan said that “when all is said and done, the parade belongs to the people and the groups that make it up, and that is why we are holding this meeting.”
John Manning stated that many people were very frustrated with the situation surrounding the parade and were trying to address these concerns in a fair, open, and transparent way.
Posted by Jim on
McGurk’s Bar activist, Robert McClenaghan, writes on the reality of
Britain’s inability to face up to its human rights abuses, and how this
now becomes his own ticking clock dilemma.
I was with other family members in west Belfast to hear about the
current situation with the Stormont House Agreement and how families who
lost loved ones during the conflict are yet again abused by the British
state. Britain does not want to deal with its past.
I found out the British Government are using what they call “National
Security Issues”to allow them to hold onto documents and files which
they think are too important to British National Security Interests to
give to families of those murdered or injured during the conflict.
And it does not matter to them if your son, daughter, father, mother,
was IRA, UDA, UVF, UDR British Army, INLA, IPLO, Ulster Resistance, or
civilian Protestant, Catholic or Dissenter.
Every single family is being refused the truth because of British
National Security Interests.
My Thoughts
Firstly, when we talk about Legacy Issues, Dealing with the Past or
National Security, we lose sight of the human beings we are actually
talking about. The victims are faceless and nameless. They have no
family and left nobody behind that mourns for them every day. They do
not exist. And neither do we.
This brings me to my own personal case which I would like to share with
you as it has been on my mind recently.
I call it the Ticking Clock Dilemma.
On the one hand we have the British Government steadfastly refusing to
tell the truth about its involvement in the conflict here for fear it
may reveal terrible dark crimes committed in its name by the British
Army, the RUC, the UDR and MI5 as well as its gangs of agents recruited
to wage war as a counter to the IRA campaign to destroy the State of
Northern Ireland as they saw it.
On the other hand of the Ticking Clock Dilemma is my Dad, Sam.
Sam is 86 years of age and I love him to bits. On December 4 1971 my
Dad’s step-father, Philip Garry, was murdered along with 14 other
innocent men women and children in McGurk’s Bar in the New Lodge area of
North Belfast. He was having a quiet pint when the bomb exploded. My
grandfather was 73 years of age at the time of his death. 73.
Within 12 hours of the murders in McGurk’s Bar, the RUC made up the
story that my grandfather was a bomber, an IRA man who along with the
others blew themselves up as part of an IRA own-goal.
I was 12 at the time and I am 56 now.
We have been waiting for nearly 44 years for the authorities to tell the
truth.
The Ticking Clock Dilemma for my Dad is this:
On Friday the 24 October the Chief Heart Consultant in the RVH told Sam
that he has only one artery to his heart left working and it is being
kept open by a small metal tube called a stent. The rest of his arteries
have all collapsed and cannot be repaired. They sent him home from
hospital saying there was nothing more medically could be done for him
and it was now in Gods hands how much longer he had left to live. I
cried when he told me as now I know my Dad is living on borrowed time.
One artery is now doing 100% of the work and sooner or later it is going
to stop and Sam will be dead.
The Ticking Clock for the British is that they want to waste as much
time as possible before they are forced by public opinion to tell what
they did as part of the conflict here.
They are refusing to hand over to my Dad crucial documents relating to
McGurk’s Bar.
My Dad along with other McGurk’s Bar families have taken the former PSNI
Chief Constable Matt Bagott and the present Chief Constable to court to
overturn a report by the failed and discredited Historical Enquiries
Team which was sanctioned by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The
HET’s report lied and said that the RUC did nothing wrong in December
1971 when they blamed the IRA for the atrocity and not the real culprits
the UVF.
This is despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary discovered and
presented to the by our campaign to the police from the state’s own
files. They have it in front of them in black and white. They deny us
other information which they are attempting to deny us access to for 84
years.
What delay means
I mention all this because i want to highlight our particular case to
prove a general point which is simple.
My Dad and other families cannot afford any further delay in getting the
British Government to admit not only what happened at McGurk’s Bar in
1971 but also hundreds and hundreds of other cases.
The RFJ website estimates that 365 people where murdered by the British
State and a further 1100 where murdered on top of that by the UVF and
UDA and Ulster Resistance as a result of a policy of collusion with the
British State.
The McGurk’s Bar case is one of the first cases of the British State
using counter-gangs to try and defeat the IRA, and to deter the
Nationalist community from supporting the IRA. The control of the
narrative in the aftermath which presented the bombing as an own-goal
was a classic psychological operation. It is a psychological operation
which continues to this day.
The McGurk’s Bar fell into a timeline. It did not explode in a vacuum.
The Ticking Clock dilemma persists as the British State tries to cripple
the coronial system, or the proposed Historical Inquiries Unit, and it
still refuses to allow any information that they do not like to see in
the public domain to be shared with anyone.
The British want to see the clock tick longer and further into the
future. My Dad Sam does not have the luxury of time. Something has to
give. Either my Dad’s heart or the British State.
The blockages in my Dad’s heart can be compared to the blockages put in
the way of the truth. We all must do our best to unblock them. Sam needs
it before it is too late. Thousands of other family members need it too.