Deaths of Sean Cronin, Brian Moore

Leading republicans have expressed their sadness at the death of well-known IRA veteran, author and journalist Sean Cronin.

Mr Cronin as IRA Director of Operations, Editor of the United Irishman and for two periods as Chief-of-Staff during his service in the Republican Movement in the period 1955-1965.

He was author of many books and pamphlets including The McGarrity Papers; The Search for the Republic (A biography of Frank Ryan); Irish Nationalism a history of its roots and ideology; Young Connolly (An account of James Connolly’s youth); Our Own Red Blood (About the 1916 Rising); Washington’s Irish Policy 1916 - 1986 Independence, Partition, Neutrality; Notes on Guerrilla Warfare; Resistance (The story of the struggle in British occupied Ireland); Ireland Since the Treaty and An appeal to Unionists.

For more than 20 years he was The Irish Times Washington Correspondent.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said Mr Cronin was “a pivotal figure in Irish republicanism for decades but particularly during the 1950’s.

“He was an author who wrote the definitive book on Irish nationalism and other books of history.

“He was a much respected journalist of huge integrity and retained a keen interest in Irish politics.

“Sean supported the peace process and offered advice and help, especially about Sinn Fein’s engagement with US political opinion.

Mr. Adams extended his sincere condolences to Sean ‘s wife Reva and family circle.

“Go ndeanfaidh Dia trocaire.”

Ruairi O Bradaigh, Patron of Republican Sinn Fein, described Mr Cronin as “a patriotic Irishman who gave service to the cause of Irish National Independence to a level which was second to none.”

“Because he was skilled in so many different ways his contributions were all the more valuable. As a writer, public speaker, lecturer, political analyst and military person. He could turn his hand to most things but above all he was a leader of men who led from the front.”

Those who served with him could “attest to his fairmindedness and sense of justice,” he said.

BRIAN MOORE

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD has also expressed his ‘deep sadness’ at the death of Brian Moore and he has extended his condolences to Brian’s partner Maire and their son Cormac, to Maire’s son Conor and Brian’s brothers Gerry and Danny and his sister Maura, and his family circle and friends.

He was best known to most republicans as the cartoonist Cormac.

In the 70’s he published political comics and he contributed to other publications, including the British weekly Socialist Challenge and Fortnight magazine. Brian was also a song writer and performer. He founded ‘The People of No Property’ with whom he sang.

Mr Moore was “irrepressible and politically perceptive”, and his cartoons “incisive and funny”, Mr Adams said.

“Brian was a republican and a socialist. He supported the struggle for freedom and the peace process.

“His death is a huge loss for his family but also to the wider republican community. Go ndeanfaidh Dia trocaire air.”

Urgent Appeal