Peter Dignam
On Sunday morning, 6 April, Peter Dignam of New Road, Clara, Co Offaly, died, aged 88 years.
Peter was a lifelong republican, who was interned in the Curragh Camp for over four years in the early 1940s. While in prison, Peter joined his comrades in a hunger strike and refused visits for over three years to gain the rights of political status.
Peter's uncle, Liam Dignam, was shot by the Black and Tans in 1922 and died six months later from his wounds.
Peter's son, Thomas, has also carried on the proud republican tradition, having polled very well in the Council elections in Donegal in 1999, and again in the general elections in 2002.
Peter's removal from his home in Clara on Monday evening, was given a guard of honour, and his coffin was draped in the Tricolour. The guard of honour was also present for his funeral on Tuesday 8 April.
Sinn Féin Councillor for Bundoran, Michael McMahon, gave the oration at the graveside, praising Peter's achievements. He also thanked the Dignam family for their support of the republican struggle and for always leaving their door open for republicans on both sides of the border.
Oliver O'Connor laid a wreath on behalf of the republican movement and Peter's grandson James Goade laid a wreath on behalf of the Liam Dignam Sinn Féin cumann in Clara. There was a large attendance at Peter's funeral, and he will be sadly missed.
To his wife Annie, his son Thomas, his daughters, Loretta, Maura, Carmel, Esther and Teresa, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he will never be forgotten. We offer our sincerest sympathies.
I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.
Mick Brassil
Republicans in Kerry have extended their deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of Mick Brassil, who was laid rest on 14 March.
What can we say about Mick Brassil that the people who were closest to him don't already know? He was a man with a heart of gold, he was literally a gentle giant and his love for his family knew no bounds.
Mick was educated in Tralee CBS and he also attended Mungret College and Rockwell College, where he developed a love for rugby and became an accomplished prop forward. Mick was most passionate about rugby but he also had a keen interest in Gaelic football, hurling, soccer and of course, his greyhounds.
Mick moved to Gortatlea, Tralee about 20 years ago with his family, where he worked in the transport business and according to those that lived near him he was an extremely kind and generous neighbour.
Wherever Mick went, he always managed to strike up lifelong friendships, including within the republican family.
Mick joined the Republican Movement in the '70s and throughout his years of involvement he was willing to do whatever he could for the struggle. It is not publicly known what Mick did for the struggle, but the people who had the privilege of working with him will know that he played his part in the search for justice, equality and freedom.
Mick was never one for the limelight but he was always there, working in the background, and that is probably why we will never know the extent of his involvement. Mick had a keen interest in the Peace Process and was fully behind what the leadership was doing in the search for a just and lasting peace.
He was always available to give advice or to voice his own opinion on any matter. Mick had a heart of gold and everyone that knew Mick will never forget his genorosity towards the republican prisoners and their families.
Mick will be sorely missed by all his friends, comrades and his family, by his parents, Mary and Willie, sisters Pat, Anne, Laurie and Colette, his brother Maurice, children Louise, Jean and Ross and by his close friend Bridie Sheehy.
Harry McCartney
Republicans in Armagh and further afield were shocked to learn of the death of 38-year-old Harry McCartney earlier this month. As the news began to filter through, people were in disbelief at this untimely and tragic occurrence. Harry's body was discovered on Monday morning, 14 April, having suffered a heart attack. His young age only added to the shock felt by many. His body was taken to Foster Green Hospital in Belfast but because of the changes in weekend Post Mortems the remains were not released to the family until Tuesday evening. Many people called at the family home over the following two days to express their sympathies to Harry's wife, two children and wide family circle.
The funeral took place on Thursday and it was a very large cortege. The hearse was flanked by republicans, many of whom were former PoWs, as it made its way from the McCartney home in Drumbreda to St Malachy's Chapel. Following a blessing (due to it being Holy Thursday no Mass was said) the funeral returned along its route to St Patrick's Cemetery for burial.
Assembly member Conor Murphy, who delivered the graveside oration, spoke of Harry's commitment to republicanism and his early involvement.
"As a young boy in the 1970s," he said, "Harry experienced injustice at first hand when he and his family were intimidated out of their home. He grew up in a repressive state and soon made the decision to stand up against British oppression. Harry's first opportunity came with the Anti-H Block/Armagh Gaol campaign, when even as a schoolboy he engaged in pickets, marches and protests. During the Hunger Strikes that followed, Harry was to the forefront in confrontations with the RUC and British Army, when public outrage at the treatment of prisoners could no longer be contained.
"Having witnessed the brutal face of British occupation during that period, Harry became active at the cutting edge of the Republican Movement when he joined the IRA. Harry's first OC, Sean McIlvenna, was killed in action in December 1984. Such was his respect and admiration for his OC that Harry named is only son, Sean, in honour of him. Harry inherited Sean McIlvenna's enthusiasm and dedication to the movement, which he carried through the rest of his years as an activist.
"In the decade that followed, Harry quickly gained the respect of his fellow Volunteers and was a willing and determined soldier in the Armagh area. In 1990, he was captured and imprisoned but prison failed to break his determination and resolve. While in the Crumlin Road Gaol, he was prominent figure in the campaign for segregation and became involved in confrontations with the screws and loyalists.
"After being given a life sentence, Harry was moved to the H.Blocks where he took the opportunity to further himself and successfully embarked on an Open University Degree. His wit and unbreakable spirit was enjoyed and appreciated by all those who knew him in Long Kesh.
"After his release under the Good Friday Agreement in July 2000, Harry quickly became reinvolved, helping to reorganise the movement in Armagh and to face the new challenges that lay ahead. One of his last acts was to be involved in bringing the families of dead Volunteers to Dublin for the An Tírghrá Commemoration, which was all the more successful and memorable because of the efforts of people such as him. Harry was also instrumental in helping to reform his local community association in Drumbreda, where he was very adept in his role as PRO. One of his main reasons for becoming involved in community work was his desire to help the youth of the area and to this end he was helping to organise the rebuilding of the Drumbreda Community Centre.
"Harry had a positive outlook on life. He would see today not as a time of sadness but as a time for his family and friends to come together to remember him."
Sincerest sympathies are offered to Gillian, Deborah and Sean and to the entire McCartney family. Harry will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.
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