Sean Treacy
Republicans throughout the country and the small close knit
community of the Heath outside Portlaoise were shocked and
saddened by the tragic death of Sean Treacy. Sean and his
workmate Robert Dunne died tragically when a trench they were
working in collapsed.
Sean was 57 years old and was a staunch republican from the time
he was a teenager. He joined the IRA when he was just 17 years
old and was soon on active service during the 1956-1962 Border
campaign. During the Royal visit to Co Laois by Princess Margaret
in 1964 Sean played a leading role in the protests against the
visit. Along with other republicans he cut down trees to block
the Royal cavalcade.
He continued to be an active republican and in 1969 when the
nationalist community came under attack from the crown forces and
their Orange allies, Sean was in the thick of things and resumed
active service. He took part in numerous attacks on the enemy in
the occupied six counties and evaded capture on several occasions
including during the British army's ``Operation Motorman'' in
Derry. Those who took part in operations with him would often
remark later on his bravery and commitment. He continued to be
loyal to the Republican Movement right up to his death.
During the height of the war in Bosnia he went as a helper with a
relief convoy. When the convoy was making its way along an
extremely difficult mountain road that was narrow and had a steep
drop to one side, some of the drivers became nervous. Sean was
determined that they reached their destination so when one driver
refused to go any further, Sean drove the lorry for him.
He was a popular character who liked going to a GAA matches and
having the craic afterwards. He spent most of his life in the
building industry and was much sought after due to his reputation
as a skilled and committed worker. Often he would oblige an
elderly neighbour who needed some repairs doing.
The high esteem in which he was held was evident in the huge
crowds that attended his funeral. Republicans from as far away as
Donegal and Kerry were there to pay their respects to a
courageous republican soldier.
The Republican Movement extends its deepest sympathy to Sean's
family and friends.
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