Saturday 14 February 2015

Volunteer Thomas Carr remembered by éirígí in Newry


The socialist republican party, éirígí, recently commemorated the 90th anniversary of Volunteer Thomas Carr in Newry. Thomas Carr was shot by the RUC on Hill Street, on February 12th 1925 and later died from his wounds.

Speaking to those assembled at the spot where Thomas was gunned down, éirígí’s Stephen Murney explained the background to the state-sanctioned murder.

Murney said, “90 years ago today Volunteer Thomas Carr was walking along Hill Street with two friends when the RUC attempted to arrest him. A short struggle ensued and Thomas tried to escape.  As Thomas ran towards the Cathedral gates, he was shot several times in the back and thigh by an RUC sergeant named Tutty.  Although severely wounded, Thomas made his way through the gates where Sergeant Tutty opened fire again.”

“Thomas collapsed in the grounds of the Cathedral and was treated at the scene by a doctor before being taken to the Nursing Home in Corry Square where he would later die from his injuries.”

“Thomas Carr’s funeral was one of the largest seen for many years in the town at the time. The entire town of Newry was saturated by large numbers of RUC and B-Special personnel during the funeral, and the graveyard was also surrounded by the same forces.”


Murney concluded “When Volunteer Thomas Carr was murdered, the force responsible for his death was known as the RUC.  That same force also conducted similar shoot-to-kill policy in more recent years.

“Today, the RUC has re-branded as the PSNI. Constitutional nationalists who act as apologists for the PSNI would have people believe that the modern Six County police force has no direct links to its predecessors.

“They choose to ignore the fact that today’s PSNI continues to cover-up the shoot-to-kill policy conducted by the RUC. They choose to ignore the fact that today’s PSNI continues to cover the RUC’s collusion with unionist death squads.

“Those same constitutional nationalists also choose to ignore ongoing and systematic human rights abuses by the PSNI.

“A cosmetic change of name and uniform has not altered the true nature of Six County policing, the primary objective of which is to protect Britain's strategic interests in Ireland.”



Tuesday 3 February 2015

Road Service to review Camlough Road safety measures following éirígi intervention

The Roads Service is to review traffic and pedestrian safety along the Camlough Road in Newry. The commitment by the Roads Service was made at a recent meeting held between the road agency and éirígí, the socialist republican party.


The meeting follows a number of complaints which éirígí in Newry has received from local residents in recent times, a number of which related the dangers posed to pedestrians by cars accelerating in order to jump traffic lights.

Speaking after the meeting with Roads Service, local éirígí spokesperson Stephen Murney said, “The Camlough Road, as it runs past the Derrybeg and Carnagat areas, with its close proximity to Daisy Hill Hospital as well as the main Belfast/Dublin motorway, is a very busy and at times very dangerous stretch of roadway. That situation is further compounded by the fact that large numbers of children, including those of primary age, use the road twice daily on their way to and from local schools.

“Sadly over the years there have previously been several fatalities along this stretch of road.

“Our party received quite a number of complaints over the past while regarding road safety issues in the area and, as a result, we sought and secured a meeting with Roads Service in order to relay those concerns.

Murney continued, “A site meeting was held with Roads Service today (Monday 2nd February) to discuss these matters and to give the agency an opportunity to see some of the problems at first hand.

“Part of the problem is caused by inconsiderate drivers who accelerate their speed as they approach traffic lights on the main road in order to try and ‘jump the lights’. A number of such incidents have occurred while parents pushing babies in prams or accompanying children have been attempting to the cross the road. Elderly people have also experienced similar problems at the traffic lights.”




Murney continued “This is an extremely busy section of road with pedestrians using the crossing at the traffic lights to access the near-by Daisy Hill Hospital. Large numbers of school children from the Parkhead and Carnagat areas also have to cross the road twice a day in order to get to and from St Patrick’s Primary School, St Joseph’s High School and St Colman’s College.”

Turning to today’s meeting, Mr Murney said, “Along with a local community worker, I was able to highlight a number of problems. I’m pleased to report that Road Service’s representative gave a commitment that the agency will consider a number of options aimed at improving traffic and pedestrian safety in the area over the next number of months. That may include introducing a number of traffic calming measures.

“It was also agreed that one of the early priorities should be the repair of the safety barrier adjacent to the traffic lights.

"We will keep local residents up to date on these matters and will also maintain pressure on Roads Service in order to achieve a long-term and effective remedy and prevent any future accidents.

“In the meantime, I would urge pedestrians to use caution when attempting to cross at the traffic lights and I would particularly urge motorists exercise extra care when using this stretch of roadway, particularly when approaching these lights.”