The
IRSP in Derry have recently been involved in one of the most important
republican projects in the the city since the formation of the Republican
Socialist Movement in 1974. The building of a fitting tribute to members of
the Irish National Liberation Army and Irish Republican Socialist Party from
counties Derry and Tyrone who gave their lives during the latest phase of the
war against the British establishment in Ireland. This monument, which is on
the graves of two hungerstrikers, Mickey Devine and Patsy O'Hara, is also
dedicated to the memory of the ten hungerstrikers of 1981. This design was
chosen because it represents the spirit of resistance shown by the
revolutionary forces in Ireland during the past thirty years. This design is
nothing new in Ireland. Examples of earlier statues of a similar nature are
located in various areas of the country, including Ardee in County Louth where
the statue there commemorates two members of the "old IRA".
The
IRSM statue is contemporary in that it was sculpted from a photograph of
one member of the Guard of Honour at the funeral of one of the 1981 martyrs.
UNVEILED
5th MARCH 2000
The
date of the unveiling was chosen because it marked the start of the 1981
hungerstrike.The monument was unveiled after a short march from the Creggan
gate of the city cemetery. The march was led by a lone piper, followed by a
Republican Socialist colour party who were then followed by the Kevin Lynch
Memorial Flute Band from Dungiven, County Derry, and several hundred
republicans. The official unveiling itself was performed by Peggy O'Hara,
mother of Patsy O'Hara, and Margarate McCauley, sister of Micky Devine. The
roll of honour was read by Micky Devine's son, also called Micky.
SUPPORT
The IRSP were pleased with the level of support recieved from the local people
of Derry since this monument was erected, considering that it commemorates one
of the most painful episodes of recent Irish history, namely the 1981
hungerstrike and all that that entails. The site of the monument, at the top
of Derry's City Cemetery, has been a hive of activity since the monument was
erected. Literally thousands of people have gone out of their way to visit
this impressive monument to some of Ireland's finest martyrs to pay their
respects.
We have one sentiment to express to the sectarian bigots of the DUP who oppose
the idea of Republcans remembering our fallen martyrs, that is:
THIS
IS NOT A MOVING STATUE!
A BIG THANK YOU!
We would like to take this opportunity to send fraternal greetings and much
thanks to all who have already contributed to this project in any way. Without
your help, financial contributions and support this project would not have
been possible. There are too many to mention here by name but if you have
helped Thank You.
