Óglach James ‘Josie’ Connolly
19th August 1968 – 6th February 1989
Eunan Carlin
Vol. James ‘Josie’ Connolly Cumman
Castlederg
Vol. James ‘Josie’ Connolly Cumman
Castlederg
Josie was the eldest son of Joe and Annie Connolly. He was a keen sportsman, and in his short life he won numerous trophies for his exploits in boxing. The crowning glory being an Ulster Junior Championship. Josie also had a keen interest in the Gaelic games and played for local Castlederg club, St. Eugene’s C.L.G.
An example of Josie’s attitude and respect for the republican and fellow volunteers, is the story of how Josie left his grandparents’ wake on Easter Sunday to attend the local commemoration at the graveside of Óglach Seamus Harvey. Josie was to have the same fate as Seamus and made his final journey to the same graveyard on 9th February 1989.
On the 5th February 1989 at around 11pm, a bomb prematurely detonated just outside the village of Drumquin. As personnel of the British Forces arrived at the scene, they found a seriously injured young man. Conscious and aware, he refused to give any information or even his identity.
Sadly on February 6th 1989, Josie died from his injuries at the young age of 20. The IRA confirmed that he was a Volunteer on active service.
Josie was described as “one of the most popular lads in the parish.” He was respected by all this was evident by the numbers that turned out for his wake and funeral. His loss to his family, friends and the Republican Movement is immeasurable.
The members of the Volunteer James ‘Josie’ Connolly Cumman Ógra Shinn Féin Castlederg would like to extend our solidarity with the Connolly family and to all who knew. A true inspiration to all young Irish people.
“A true son of Ireland so let it be said… We salute you Volunteer Josie Connolly”
We will achieve the Republic for which you died.
Tíocfaidh ár lá!
On the 5th February 1989 at around 11pm, a bomb prematurely detonated just outside the village of Drumquin. As personnel of the British Forces arrived at the scene, they found a seriously injured young man. Conscious and aware, he refused to give any information or even his identity.
Sadly on February 6th 1989, Josie died from his injuries at the young age of 20. The IRA confirmed that he was a Volunteer on active service.
Josie was described as “one of the most popular lads in the parish.” He was respected by all this was evident by the numbers that turned out for his wake and funeral. His loss to his family, friends and the Republican Movement is immeasurable.
The members of the Volunteer James ‘Josie’ Connolly Cumman Ógra Shinn Féin Castlederg would like to extend our solidarity with the Connolly family and to all who knew. A true inspiration to all young Irish people.
“A true son of Ireland so let it be said… We salute you Volunteer Josie Connolly”
We will achieve the Republic for which you died.
Tíocfaidh ár lá!
6 comments:
RIP Josie!
James 'Josie' Connolly, an inspiration to Irish Youth!
Its quiet round the fields of green Tyrone....... another great loss for the West Tyrone Brigade.
May you rest in peace Josie.
As was said in the article we will achieve that Republic for which you died. Sadly missed and good to see Ógra remembering the fallen.
Tíocfáidh ár lá.
Castlederg Exile in the US
Rest in peace Josie.
Sadly missed,but never forgotton by the people in castlederg.
'we salute you volunteer Josie Connolly'
E.Ni Loingsigh x
Josie,
you were a fine example for young Irish men and women,
We as Irish repiblicans will make sure your death was not in vain,
-forever onwards to victory.
A true inspiration Josie.
Victory to the Provos!
Barry McColgan
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