Republican News · Thursday 12 June 2003

Sean Baxter

There was widespread shock throughout much of West Cavan and South Fermanagh at the sudden death of Sean Baxter, aged 56, on Wednesday 28 May.

Sean was a lifelong republican and actively involved in the struggle all his adult life. A huge crowd followed his removal on Thursday evening from the Mortuary in Cavan. The hearse carrying the coffin was draped in the Tricolour and a Templeport GAA jersey. It stopped at Ballyconnell, where a 20-strong guard of honour of comrades and members of the Baxter Collins Sinn Féin Cumann, led by a lone piper, marched through the town. On its way past Kilinavart Chapel, the republican guard of honour was joined by a guard of honour from Templeport and Kildalian GAA clubs, Ballyconell Gun Club and the Tug of War Team.

After Mass on Friday morning, a piper played as the coffin was carried to the grave.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Phelim Brady and Sean Rusty Reilly on behalf of the Baxter Collins Sinn Féin cumann of which Sean was a founder member.

Local republican and close friend Peadar Nancy gave the graveside oration. He said he was honoured to speak at this hallowed ground, where Sean was laid to rest beside two other great Irish men - Volunteer Michael Baxter, killed on Selton Hill in 1921, and Volunteer James Crossan, killed on the border in 1958. He said Sean was a big man in body and spirit, - a great son and brother, a great neighbour and Irishman - that many people could only hope to aspire to. He said that the size of the crowd that turned out on both days showed the love and respect Sean had earned.

Peadar said Sean was born and lived only a stone's throw away from the border, which meant that he always had a home venue as far as the enemy were concerned.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Sean's mother, Mary Kate, his sisters Margaret and Kathleen, and brothers Jimmy and Mickey.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.

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Billy Rennicks

The death has occurred recently of William (Billy) Rennicks, of Ardbraccan, Navan, County Meath. Billy died at his home after a short illness.

There will be many salmon safer now, as Billy was an expert and enthusiastic fisherman. Billy was a man to set standards and had a very active and progressive involvement in all local clubs, which included Gun Clubs, fishing and GAA, to mention but a few.

Greyhound raring and training for coursing and track racing was a labour of love, which brought him notoriety all over Ireland and his passing brings to an end a long and distinguished tradition on the White Quarry Road.

He loved the freedom of the countryside and longed to see the freedom and unity of this island which, in no small way, he helped to bring a little closer.

Billy's funeral took place in Bohermeen Church to the adjoining cemetery; the very large crowd in attendance was a testament to his popularity within the community.

He is survived by his beloved wife Teenie, sisters Josie Gorman, Nora McDonagh, Kathleen Luddy, Madeline Harrison, brothers Anthony and Jim, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.