People unite in Newcastle for ‘remembrance and reflection’

People unite in Newcastle for ‘remembrance and reflection’

21 August 2024

NEWCASTLE was the venue for a “remembrance and reflection” event which was attended by several hundred people last Friday night.

It was organised by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) outside the town’s Newcastle Centre in opposition to an event to remember IRA man Paul Magorrian at a hotel in the town.

The Republican commemoration was organised by the Betsy Gray Sinn Fein Cumann in memory of Magorrian who was a member of the IRA’s South Down Brigade. He was shot dead by the army in August 1974.

SEFF Director Kenny Donaldson estimated that between 350 and 400 people gathered to signal their opposition to the “ongoing campaign of mainstreaming terrorism through acts of commission and omission” outside the Newcastle Centre.

He said those attending came together for Christian witness, to support one another and to stand up for the truth and integrity of “the past”.

Mr Donaldson said the gathering was instigated by the decision to host a memorial event to the IRA terrorist.

He said SEFF, the Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism group and wider family of innocent victims and survivors came together from across the community to state that “enough is enough”.

During the event, Glenn Pollock whose brother Samuel was murdered around 100 yards from the location for Friday night’s gathering, shared his testimony and how “the evils of Provisional IRA terrorism has forever changed the lives of his family”.

MAST members Sandra Johnston, sister of Allan Johnston, and Laura Johnston, granddaughter of William Finlay, both of whom were murdered by the IRA, also contributed to the service.

Sammy Heenan, whose father, William, was murdered by the IRA, and Mr Donaldson also addressed those present.

Mr Donaldson added: “We were blessed to have Canon Rev Alan Irwin facilitate the service, someone who walks in the same shoes as those who gathered on the night, remembering loved ones. 

“Canon Irwin’s father, Thomas, and uncle, Frederick, were both murdered by the Provisional IRA.”

Mr Donaldson added: “Friday night proved that there are people who still care about the soul of this country; people who are prepared to take a stand, people of dignity and of principle.”