Richard Halpenny
People throughout Derry and beyond felt great shock and sadness
at the sudden death of Richard Halpenny in the city on 28 July.
A well-known republican, Richard originally hailed from Dundalk
but long ago was claimed as a Derryman by friends and comrades.
The huge crowds of mourners at his wake reflected the respect and
love people had for him. After wreaths were laid on behalf of
Oglaigh na hÉireann, Sinn Féin, the PDF, and the PoWs, former
hungerstriker and comrade Raymond McCartney offered the sympathy
of the Republican Movement to the Halpenny family: children
Annette, Marian, Lorraine, Ricky and Paul; to Jack, Teresa,
Carmel and Malachy and the rest of the family circle.
Acknowledging the difficulty of finding words to comfort
mourners, Raymond eased the loss with recollections which
rekindled cherished moments of Richard's life.
``Richard's friends here today will have their own memories: his
fondness for a game of snooker, his love of a song, his delight
at being with the Over the Hill Gang in Shantallow House whenever
he could, telling his array of jokes - even though he had told
some of them before and perhaps before that again. His friendship
to you is something I do not have to explain, nor will I try. He
was a true gentleman. His loyalty to those he worked with and for
bore witness to this as well.
``I came to know Richard best through his passionate love for his
country. From the days of internment through the dark days of the
Armagh/H-Block campaign and the hunger strikes and beyond,
Richard worked tirelessly for the prisoners and their families.
Today we bury him wearing his green ribbon, a symbol of his
empathy with political prisoners - long before two of his own
children, Ricky and Lorraine, spent years imprisoned.
``Richard's quest for justice did not end there. He was
politically active in Sinn Féin from the early 70s to mid-80s at
a middle leadership level. Despite having reservations about the
electoral analysis, he was a regular feature complete with Sinn
Féin rosette at every election for the past 15 years.
``No matter what the hour, Richard's home was open to those who
required it and no matter what the task he was ready and able to
assist. Many volunteers in Oglaigh na hÉireann appreciate his
selflessness and dedication in his service to the struggle.''
Raymond then recounted a story that involved Richard, Raymond, a
car with the back springs under stress, a Garda checkpoint and
unconstitutional business. Suffice it to say that Raymond had
reason to give thanks for Richard's charm and gentlemanly accent
that day.
Many mourners smiled as this story brought back similar memories.
Raymond concluded by addressing Richard's children: ``I have no
need to tell you about your father, but as republicans we
remember and pay tribute to a true friend and comrade. A
Risteard, i measc laochra na hÉireann go bhfuil tú anois. Codladh
sámh duit, slán abhaile.''
Roy Haughey
Republicans from Lurgan and further afield were saddened to learn
of the death of former POW Roy Haughey.
Roy, who died on Wednesday 22 July, spent nine years in the cages
of Long Kesh and was a popular figure in the North Armagh town.
While Roy was in prison Long Kesh was burned and he recieved a
particularly brutal beating when he was set upon by baton
wielding screws and attacked by guard dogs. Tragically, while Roy
was in jail his parents were killed in a traffic accident while
returning from a friend's wedding. Roy was only allowed the
minimum parole to attend his parents' funeral.
During his final illness Roy told his friend Sinn Fein councillor
Francie Murray that he was determined to hang on in there until
after his daughter's wedding. And with the typical determination
Roy had shown throughout his life he got to the wedding.
Roy is survived by two sons and a daughter. Deepest sympathy is
extended to them from the entire Republican Movement.
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