Republican News · Thursday 10 April 2003

VOLUNTEER KEITH ROGERS

Volunteer Keith Rogers was born on 27 October 1978, the only son of Teresa and Martin, and brother to Michelle. His education began at the Friary School in Dundalk but continued at Sheelagh Primary School, when the family moved to their present home at Annavackey, Hackballscross in 1989. Keith adapted well to the move and became very popular in Sheelagh.

As a teenager, he continued his education at Dundalk Technical College. Learning came naturally to this bright, intelligent young man. Gaelic football was a great passion of Keith's and he played the game with skill and determination. His good sense of humour and fair play endeared him to colleague and opponent alike. His love for the game and his club, Naomh Malachi GFC, continued until his young life was brutally ended at the hands of criminals.

The skill, determination and courage, the humour and intelligence displayed so abundantly by Keith on the football field would also be qualities that would manifest themselves in shaping the character of one of South Armagh's finest volunteers.

Like generations of young men and women before him, Keith was to join Óglaigh na hÉireann at a young age. He loved his country and his community with a passion. He was always prepared to do his best and he wanted the best for everyone around him. At a time when he could have chosen a much easier road, he took the path of an Irish Republican Volunteer.

Keith Rogers was politically aware and alert to the constant twists and turns of the political climate in modern Ireland. His benchmark in all this was his belief in the skill, ability and conviction of his comrades in Óglaigh na hÉireann and his knowledge and admiration for the men and women who had gone before him.

The mark of a true revolutionary is in the work they actually do and that mark was plain to be seen on Keith. He was an inspiration to young and old alike.

Keith will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to Teresa, Martin Michelle, to his girlfriend Ursula and his entire family circle. They have been robbed of a very special loved one; we have all lost a champion.

He was undoubtedly a role model for his generation. The Republican Movement is honoured to have had Keith Rogers in its ranks. He was a trusted friend and comrade. I can see him when any task was being discussed - the shrug of the shoulders, the wry smile, the rub of hands, the words "I'm your man".

You were indeed our man, Keith. One of the finest, bravest volunteers I've ever had the honour to know. Until we meet again, my friend, we will keep your memory alive.

I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam cróga, dílis.

Month's mind Mass, Saturday 12 April, 8pm, Sacred Heart Church, Sheelagh\

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Tommy McArdle

Tommy McArdle died peacefully after a short illness on 19 March, in his 75th year. Two days later, hundreds of republicans gathered in Turf Lodge to lay to rest a loyal friend and a dedicated republican and to comfort his heartbroken family. It was fitting that his coffin was draped with the national flag, a mark of respect and a sign of the republican spirit that had lived in Tommy.

Tommy was born and reared in Foundry Street in East Belfast and it was here that he met and married Madge Rooney, the great love of his life and another occupant of Foundry Street. Even though he and Madge were forced to move their family to the west of the city during the loyalist pogroms of 1969, they were always proud of their Ballymacarrat roots.

Tommy was always a County Down man at heart, and this was a source of much boasting and slagging in Gort na Mona GAC, where he enjoyed a pint among the County Antrim men. He was affectionately known by his friends in the club as the "Lord Mayor of Turf Lodge", and it was said at his funeral that the area had paved the way for that other republican to fill the same position in the City Hall.

While he played soccer in his younger days, Tommy was a great supporter of the youth football and hurling teams up in the 'Gort' and was extremely proud when asked to make the presentations to the young players. He always enjoyed the social side of the club and especially took a keen interest in the cultural talks and family days.

Tommy was a great family man himself, a hard working and devoted husband to Madge until her death in 1987, and a loving father to their sons Paul and Chris and daughters Theresa, Carol, Margaret, Brenda, Mary and Isabel. His grandchildren and his great grandchildren gave him a lot of joy and happiness.

Tommy's other great love was for his country. He was born in a divided Ireland but he died in no doubt that republicans were on their way to a united Ireland. He often recalled the days when nationalists had no vote or effective political representation and he was proud that he could cast his vote for Sinn Féin.

He always made sure to encourage the young ones to register and claim their right to vote. In the days before he died, he spoke sadly of how he wouldn't be able to vote for Gerry Adams this time around.

As nationalists, the family suffered through harassment, raids and arrest, with four of his children imprisoned during the struggle. Tommy worked hard for the prisoners, especially during the most difficult times of the protests and hunger strikes. A modest man, he was always there, strong, supportive and committed, proud of his identity and proud to be part of the republican family.

Tommy will be sadly missed by many people, his friends, extended family and the republican community, but the greatest loss is to his sons and daughters, who loved and treasured him and who have been left devastated by his death.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.