Ógra Shinn Féin Join Thousands in Remembering Loughgall Martyrs

On Sunday 6^th May thousands of Irish republicans converged in the Cappagh / Galbally area to mark the 20th anniversary of the Loughgall ambush, in which 8 volunteers of the East Tyrone Brigade Oglaigh na hÉireann lost their lives. The thousands of people were joined by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and Deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.

Ógra Shinn Féin formed up a contingent in the parade also. The Ógra delegation were led be a banner proclaiming ‘Ógra Shinn Féin remembers the Loughgall Martyrs.’

The parade, led by a republican colour party responding to commands in Irish made its way from Galbally community centre to the republican monument in Cappagh main street.

At the monument various wreaths were laid on behalf of The Tyrone brigade Óglaigh na hÉireann, Tyrone National Graves association as well as various family wreaths. There was also the lowering of the National flag and a lament played by a local.

Veteran Republican Brian Keenan was the main speaker and spoke of how the 8 men knew the risks involved by taking up arms against the British claim in Ireland . However he said the men knew no mercy would be shown by the British if they were captured and how this was true of the events of the 8^th of May.

Ógra Shinn Fein spokesperson Stephen McGahan said,

“On Sunday we assembled in Galbally to commemorate and remember the sacrifice and courage of the Loughgall martyrs. Although it is 20 years from the deaths of the men the wounds of 20 years ago are still very fresh. I wasn’t even born at the time of the ambush yet I am inspired when I hear of the courage and dedication of the 8 men who were killed on active service."

"Indeed it must also be said that without the courage of such men there wouldn’t even be a peace process in Ireland . On their 20^th anniversary we remember with pride, Paddy Kelly, Jim Lynagh, Padraig McKearney, Tony Gormley, Declan Arthurs, Seamus Donnelly, Gerard O’Callaghan and Eugene Kelly."