Sheena Campbell Memorial Lecture 2010

The Sheena Campbell Cumann in Queen's University Belfast, recently held their annual memorial lecture for the Lurgan republican.

The packed event which had Sheena's mother, father and son present, was held on 28th October, close to the anniversary of her murder which occurred on the 16th October 1992.

The night was co-hosted by Queen’s Sinn Féin members Megan Fearon and Laura McAleer, who read aloud the history of Sheena Campbell’s life.

The memorial lecture was held in Queen’s Student Union with former political prisoner, and current Sinn Fein MLA and Junior Minister Gerry Kelly the main speaker on the night.

Gerry recalled the activism and dynamism of Sheena as a young woman.

He explained how she was a role model to republicans through her strength, courage and determination in the struggle for a United Ireland.

Sheena studied Law at Queen’s University as well as handling the responsibility of being a young mother.

It is Sheena’s formidable spirit, her dedication as a mother, a student, and as a republican, that encourages the Sheena Campbell Cumann to remember her each and every year.

Mr Kelly included in his words how Sheena’s was an unbreakable and unyielding Sinn Féin activist that struck fear into the hearts of her opponents.

It was this very fear that resulted in her murder.

As Gerry Adams said at her funeral, "They fear us because they fear the future. They can see our potential."

After Mr Kelly had taken questions concerning Sheena as well as past and present political initiatives, a framed Proclamation of the Irish Republic was presented to Sheena’s family who attend the memorial event every year.

Speaking on a very emotive and successful memorial lecture, Chairperson of the Sheena Campbell Cumann, Megan Feron said,

"The event was extremely beneficial in educating another generation of young people about who Sheena Campbell was, her key role in building Sinn Fein into the party it is today and how she was murdered as a direct result of the British policy of Collusion."

"It was an extremely emotive talk, particularly because Sheena's family was present but also because it brought to life the hardships endured by this young republican women and student, that would result in her death."

"Ultimately it was inspiring to see that despite the harassment, Sheena never bowed to the intimidation and even following her brutal murder her family are as resilient today, in their quest for truth on her death and in the struggle for a United Ireland. The fact that Gerry Kelly said that we wouldn't be where we are today without people like Sheena Campbell says it all. We are extremely proud and honoured to have our cumann named after her and she will continue to inspire the young republican students and activists of today."