John Cahill
South Galway Republicans were saddened at the loss of a friend and
comrade of many years standing recently when John Cahill passed away.
The large attendance at the funeral showed the high esteem he was
held in, as his tricolour draped coffin was laid to rest.
John Cahill had a long and honourable association with the Republican
movement in Galway, as a Volunteer in the IRA and as a loyal
supporter in the four decades since the Fifties campaign. Like so
many others, John's door was always open to Republicans and many
benefitted from his kindness.
For many years John was associated with the Gort and South Galway
Easter Commemorations, and was a member of the Shanaglish
Commemoration Committee which organises the annual wreath laying at
the Loughnane Brothers grave, and keeps the memory of their sacrifice
alive in the locality.
In his funeral oration in both Irish and English John Landers, a
friend and comrade of John Cahill, said that the whole Republican
family in South Galway expressed their sincere condolences to John's
greiving widow, Margaret, on her bereavement and assured her of their
continuing support and friendship.
``The success of our struggle has alway been guaranteed by the John
Cahills of this world, comrades who never lost sight of our goals and
who remained loyal in good times and bad''.
Peter McCallion
Peter McCallion was born to Maureen and Mickey and shared his
childhood with two brothers and six sisters, all of whom will dearly
miss him. Closest to Peter's heart is his wife Annmarie and their
four children.
Peter's life was no different from any number of us. As a nationalist
and a Republican he witnessed all the oppression of the early
seventies; the daily raids and arrests; the armoured cars and foot
patrols; and especially the harassment of continually being stopped
and abused by the British crown forces.
It is little wonder that Peter, at the age of 15, joined na Fianna
Eireann and quickly moved through the ranks to become a senior
figure.
Peter was a happy-go-lucky and popular figure in the area who enjoyed
the craic, the Shantallow hop and, particularly, Status Quo. Amongst
his friends in those days were Volunteers Michael Meenan and Eamon
`Bronco' Bradley who both lost their lives on active service.
When he was 17 Peter joined the ranks of Oglaigh na hEireann and took
charge of his unit as they participated in numerous operations whilst
he immersed himself in all aspects of our struggle. In August 1976
Peter was arrested and charged with a sniper attack on a British army
patrol.
While on remand Peter took part in all the protests for segregation
and political status. After a lengthy period on remand he was
sentenced in the Diplock courts to 18 years imprisonment. Like his
comrades before him Peter went directly on to the blanket protest
where he endured the hardships which confronted the blanketmen.
Upon his release Peter found himself a job as a painter but still
continued in his own discreet way to help and support the Republican
struggle.
Through time he met Annmarie, a friend from his younger days. When
they married everyone expressed their delight for the couple
commenting that they were made for each other. Peter's proudest
moment was the birth of their son Connor just over a year ago. Peter
also became a father to Annmarie's three other children whom he loved
very much.
To Annmarie and the children and to Mr. and Mrs. McCallion and
family, the republican movement extends heartfelt sympathy.
Terence McGonigle
When Terence McGonigle died on 7 November 1998, South Derry and the
Magherafelt area in particular, lost one of the fiercest opponents of
British and unionist rule that the area had ever known.
A hard working man, they came no straighter than Terence, and if
something was to be said, Terence said it.
avid reader who could converse on any subject, Terence enjoyed
debate. He was often the man who started a debate and was always
there at the finish.
ever present member of the County Derry PDF Terence was a regular
collector at Magherafelt and Milltown chapels, untill ill health took
its toll a number of years ago.
The esteem in which he was held was evident by the numbers who called
to the wake in his sister Susan's house. Republicans who spanned his
lifetime mingled with his neighbours from Magherafelt and Newbridge,
where he spent his last years. Ex-prisoners' and prisoners' families
from all of County Derry, South West Antrim and East Tyrone were
present at his funeral.
To his sister Susan, brother Tommy and family circle, the Republican
Movement extends its sincere sympathy.
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