Historic nationalists rally in Lurgan
by Michael McCracken
Nationalists achieved a historic first last Sunday 31 August when
hundreds of people, young and old, defied the miserable weather
and years of RUC and unionist bigotry to march into Lurgan town
centre for the first time ever.
The theme of the march was `Peace, Justice and Equality', and
featured music and craic, as a carnival atmosphere attracted a
broad range of people.
This significant victory was achieved despite a hostile RUC
presence, a bomb hoax and a loyalist band who tried to ruin the
day for the families. Hundreds of people swamped the streets
along the route, despite soaking weather, led off by Lurgan
Martyrs Republican Flute Band.
The rally was addressed by veteran Republican Martin Meehan, who
said equality and justice had been achieved by the march.
Derry Sinn Féin councillor Mary Nelis and Damien Duffy, brother
of Colin Duffy, also addressed the crowd, who heard Duffy call
for the immediate release of his brother, being held on remand
for the murder of two RUC men in Lurgan in June.
Lurgan Sinn Fein representative Bernadette O'Hagan emphasised the
significance of the march. ``We seek no more or less than what has
been afforded to others living in Lurgan. For too long
nationalists have bee coerced into a second class role in this
statelet. Fundamental changes on equality and justice are
required throughout the Six Counties if peace is to be really
secured.''
In a statement Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness described the
importance of the march and rally to Lurgan nationalists,
``seeking entry to their own town centre as a democratic right
which had been denied by the British Government.''
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