Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

MARCELLA CURRAN

Ireland has lost a great republican. On 16 November Marcella Curran died peacefully in her sleep after a gallant battle against cancer.

She fought the enemy to the end, which should not surprise anyone who knew her. This committed and passionate woman had the heart of a lion.

For many years Marcella worked in film distribution for Columbia Warner. After retiring she poured her energy into a number of worthy causes, including the Holy Ghost missions. But her heart was closer to home. Her lifelong devotion to Ireland and the republican cause was total. Marcella never missed an Ard Fheis.

After a crippling and near-fatal accident in her '70s she battled her way back and remained active, continuing to be a familiar face at 44 Parnell Square. This year, in spite of failing health, she attended the Wolfe Tone Commemoration in a driving rainstorm.

Hers was an unforgettable personality. She was warm, wickedly witty, loyal and generous to her many friends, but did not suffer fools gladly. As an avid follower of the political scene she expressed her opinions in no uncertain terms. There was nothing uncertain about Marcella Curran.

Several years ago listeners to the Pat Kenny radio programme heard her launch a verbal attack on the postmaster in Dublin. Marcella was outraged because the tricolour was not being flown over the GPO on Saturdays and Sundays. "People died to have that flag flown!" she exclaimed. When Kenny asked Marcella, "Did you have people in the GPO yourself?" she replied stoutly, "They were all our people in the GPO!" She followed her radio appearance with a furious letter writing campaign. When the beleaguered postmaster tried to claim it was "too expensive" to fly the flag on weekends, Marcella retorted, "It's not too expensive for Penny's, and they're English!"

The tricolour flies over the GPO on weekends now.

Born during the Tan War, Marcella Curran fought for our flag as surely as anyone ever did. And she won.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Marcella's sister Attracta, brothers Thomas Ned and Liam, nephew Thomas and the wider family circle

Go ndeana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

BY MORGAN LLYWELYN

JIMMY GAVIN

The death occurred last month of lifelong republican Jimmy Gavin, originally from Leitrim but who lived in Dublin. Jimmy was an IRA Volunteer for a great many years and spent time in jail for his republicanism.

Many republican former prisoners and old comrades attended his funeral from Sherriff Street in Dublin to the republican plot in Glasnevin cemetery, where Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis delivered the oration. They recalled his great sense of humour and how in jail he always looked out for the welfare of the younger prisoners. He was also renowned in the jail for his distilling talents, earning him the nickname of 'the hooch man'.

Jimmy, who came from a republican family himself, was a reliable comrade and a staunch friend to those who needed him. He wasn't one for complaining. He was a doer. A mark of the man was that he did not let anyone know for a long time how sick he was.

Deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Phyllis, daughters Martina, Mandy, Maria, Michelle and Maxine, sister Terry and to his great friend Essie Banks.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.