Republican News · Thursday 28 March 2002

Michael Kinsella

The death has occurred of Michael Kinsella, republican ex-prisoner who spent almost two decades in jail in the 26 Counties for his republican beliefs. Michael was laid to rest in Clones, County Monaghan on Saturday 16 March. A republican guard of honour accompanied his coffin, which was draped in the Tricolour and the Volunteer's beret and gloves. We carry here the graveside tribute given by Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

Michael Kinsella was one of the many young Irish men and women of his generation who came forward and volunteered to serve in the ranks of the Irish Republican Army and in the cause of Irish freedom. He was to know the bitterest reality of conflict. He experienced too the brutality of this state and the excesses of its prison regimes.

Michael was arrested and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1974. Within a few short months he successfully made his escape from Portlaoise Prison with other comrades, including his brother Seán. Michael was re-arrested some nine months later in Cavan and reimprisoned in Portlaoise. He would serve a further 18 years in captivity before his release to the care of his devoted and loving family.

Michael suffered throughout his incarceration. Fellow prisoners were very supportive but deeply concerned for his wellbeing. That it took its toll on Michael is evidenced today more than on any other day. At 52 years of age we are standing beside the interred remains of our comrade and friend.

Successive Dublin governments ignored repeated calls from his family and from republicans generally for Michael's release on compassionate grounds. In their eyes, Michael's status as a republican disqualified him from any such humanitarian consideration.

Michael Kinsella was the youngest in a family of four. Over the years I have been privileged to be present when members of this special family have shared reminiscences of Michael, of Seán and of their late father, Thomas, go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Michael was very proud of his family and they were very proud of him. Despite the worst media portrayals and the personal trials of those early days, weeks, months and years, a mother and her family never let go. Michael and Seán always had the strength of their mother's love for them and her heart for the struggle and cause they chose to serve. Agnes Kinsella cannot be with us this morning. In her 85th year she is frail and confined to bed. If Michael's spirit is not with us this morning then I expect it is by her bedside, the mother whose love was returned in full measure.

Sean and Kevin and Pearl are blessed with happy memories of their childhood together at Legnakelly, life on the farm with their father, Michael's love of the land and of all aspects of farming life. He also worked for a time at Tunney's in Clones.

Family and friends remember too a kind heart. They speak of a loyal and faithful friend. They smile, recalling his not infrequent use of humour to lighten up a conversation, the easy and happy moments when fun seemed all that mattered.

Michael had a brotherly respect and affection for his brother-in-law Edward and cherished Edward and Pearl's family as if they were his own. An uncle to Kevin, Colm, Olivia, Eamon and Aisling, yet in truth they have lost in Michael's death a very special brother.

Michael was an Irish republican who made a commitment based on his political beliefs. It was a commitment, shared by countless others, to act in solidarity and sympathy with his fellow countrymen and countrywomen in the occupied Six Counties. These men and women acted out of no selfish motive but in what they sincerely believed was the best interest of their country and of their people. We salute the sacrifice and the memory of Michael Kinsella, republican soldier and prisoner of war.

On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend sincere sympathy to Michael's mother Agnes, his brothers Seán and Kevin, his sister Pearl, brother-in-law Edward, and to his nephews and nieces, Kevin, Colm, Olivia, Eamon and Aisling and to all the Kinsella and Mulvaney family circle.

I measc laochra na hÉireann go raibh a anam dilís.