Fian John Dempsey, 1st Battalion, Na Fianna Eireann

By Evan Maxwell

As we near the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Eireann I can't but help reflect on the role of young Irishmen throughout the last century in the struggle for freedom. Foremost of these young soldiers were the many Fianna who died on active service during the most recent conflict in and around my home city of Belfast.



Fian John Dempsey is only but one example of the many comrades who have lost their lives. However, what is significant for me about John is the age of the John when he died.

He was just 16 when he was gunned down by the Brits. That's three years younger than myself. He had already in his short life made the ultimate sacrifice for Ireland when he should have been alive and well with his family today.John was a normal teenager, enjoying life like most others his age having just left school. John was very active and played football for Gort Na Mona and soccer for Corpus Christi.

However, a young Irishman in a unionist state didn't have much in the way of prospects or the same rights and opportunities were later realized. John too like many others suffered the harassment of the British army and like many others his age in Turf Lodge he entered the republican movement. John joined the ranks of Na Fianna Eireann in 1980 to play his part in the struggle for independence.

Just over year later John would be in a coffin flanked by an honour guard of his Fianna comrades. John was executed while on active service in July 1981. He was buried on the same day as Oglach Joe McDonnell.

Joe died as a man of 30, while John, a teen was served the same fate. John was the last Fian to be placed on the roll of honour.

As a young republican I can't help but feel overwhelmed by awe and the courage shown by John and his comrades. They went out to the front line as soldiers and gave their lives for and furthered in their efforts the same objectives we continue to struggle for today. It is from their efforts that I personally draw relentless motivation.

Their contribution was greater than any contribution one could wish to provide. They serve as a beacon of inspiration for all young republicans.

Today we continue to remember John. A plaque near were he was shot serves as a constant reminder of John, as well as his mural at the bottom of the Glen road in Belfast.

The annual Fian John Dempsey football and camogie tournament is also held by Gort Na Mona CLG every august in his honour.John through his ultimate sacrifice has created the conditions today were young republicans can live for Ireland and carry on the struggle.In the words of John's father;

"John has joined the elite. He died for the freedom of his country; I remember John and his comrades of Na Fianna Eireann."