Seán Gillespie
Strabane ÓSF
This Sunday (December 8th) will see the annual commemoration march for volunteer Jim McGinn, west Tyrone command Oglaigh Na hEireann.
The passing of 33 years has not diminished the painful memories of that tragic day at Clady bridge, on the Tyrone-Donegal border.
Jim and three comrades were on active service, and preparing to carry out an attack on the occupying forces in the north. The bomb Jim was carrying was a remote controlled device. As the volunteers walked across the bridge, the bomb exploded prematurely, killing Jim instantly and injuring his three comrades, one seriously.
Jim was only 20 years of age at the time of his death and deep sorrow and sadness engulfed his native Strabane as news of the event spread. Black flags appeared on houses throughout the town and this sombre mood prevailed throughout the Christmas period.
Subsequent to his death, Jim had taken an active and full part the civil rights struggle. He joined the Republican movement shortly after internment and was forced to go “on the run” following an operation in early 1972. Jim held the position of engineering officer of the west Tyrone command staff at the time of his death, a position which bore testament to his ability.
Jim was renowned for his humour and friendly nature and his outgoing character endeared him to young and old alike. He had a deep love of his native culture, reflected in his involvement with An Comhaltas Uladh. Jim’s intensive study of the writings of James Connolly made a deep impression on him and fuelled his desire to achieve social and economic justice for all, and the clear understanding that this would only be achieved through the removal of divisive british rule.
Every year friend’s family and comrades of Jim’s, gather at the spot where he died to lay wreaths and pay tribute to his memory. His annual commemoration will kick off at 3:00pm at the river club Cloughfinn Co. Donegal, and will proceed to the bridge at Clady Co. Tyrone, led by the Strabane Memorial flute band.
This brave young Irish soldier will live on as an inspiration to the Republican youth of today, who continue to play a part in the unfinished struggle for freedom, for which Jim gave his life. 
Strabane ÓSF
This Sunday (December 8th) will see the annual commemoration march for volunteer Jim McGinn, west Tyrone command Oglaigh Na hEireann.
The passing of 33 years has not diminished the painful memories of that tragic day at Clady bridge, on the Tyrone-Donegal border.
Jim and three comrades were on active service, and preparing to carry out an attack on the occupying forces in the north. The bomb Jim was carrying was a remote controlled device. As the volunteers walked across the bridge, the bomb exploded prematurely, killing Jim instantly and injuring his three comrades, one seriously.
Jim was only 20 years of age at the time of his death and deep sorrow and sadness engulfed his native Strabane as news of the event spread. Black flags appeared on houses throughout the town and this sombre mood prevailed throughout the Christmas period.
Subsequent to his death, Jim had taken an active and full part the civil rights struggle. He joined the Republican movement shortly after internment and was forced to go “on the run” following an operation in early 1972. Jim held the position of engineering officer of the west Tyrone command staff at the time of his death, a position which bore testament to his ability.
Jim was renowned for his humour and friendly nature and his outgoing character endeared him to young and old alike. He had a deep love of his native culture, reflected in his involvement with An Comhaltas Uladh. Jim’s intensive study of the writings of James Connolly made a deep impression on him and fuelled his desire to achieve social and economic justice for all, and the clear understanding that this would only be achieved through the removal of divisive british rule.
Every year friend’s family and comrades of Jim’s, gather at the spot where he died to lay wreaths and pay tribute to his memory. His annual commemoration will kick off at 3:00pm at the river club Cloughfinn Co. Donegal, and will proceed to the bridge at Clady Co. Tyrone, led by the Strabane Memorial flute band.
This brave young Irish soldier will live on as an inspiration to the Republican youth of today, who continue to play a part in the unfinished struggle for freedom, for which Jim gave his life.
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