Sunday 27 December 2015

éirígí Newry Welcomes Irish Language Street Signage in Derrybeg

éirígí An lúir have welcomed the erection of additional Irish language street signage in the Derrybeg Terrace area of Newry. The signage was erected following contact between the socialist republican party and Newry, Mourne and Down council's Irish Language Department. 
Commenting on the development éirígí's Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney explained "Several weeks ago I contacted the council’s Irish language department with a request to have bilingual street signage erected at this location, and local residents are delighted to see this has now been secured.”

Echoing the éirígí representative's comments, Derrybeg community worker, Anthony Coyle, said, "Although Derrybeg Terrace is a relatively new build. This now means the street signage is in line with the rest of the Derrybeg area which has had street signs ‘as Gaeilge’ for quite a few years."
Murney continued "I would like to thank council staff for their assistance with this. While this may appear to a relatively minor development, as a party we believe that the Irish language should be promoted at every opportunity. "
Concluding Stephen added "On that note I would encourage anyone who would like to see bilingual street signs erected in their area to contact either myself or the council’s Irish Language department to set the process in motion."

Friday 25 December 2015

éirígí Newry: Newry Tragedy Remembered On Christmas Eve

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On Thursday (December 24), the socialist republican party éirígí commemorated the deaths of two IRA volunteers, Eddie Grant and Brendan Quinn, in the Derrybeg estate in Newry. Both young men tragically lost their lives on active service on Christmas Eve in 1973 in a premature explosion which also claimed the life of Aubrey Harshaw.
1507747_761359763964904_2756251506266841485_nSpeaking at the commemoration ceremony, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney paid tribute to both men. He said, “At Christmas, most people would think of spending time with their families and loved ones. Given the circumstances that prevailed in 1973, Eddie and Brendan found themselves on active service fighting on behalf of the Republican struggle.
“During an operation in Monaghan Street, an improvised explosive device which they were handling detonated prematurely resulting in the deaths of both young volunteers. Tragically, the same bomb also claimed the life of a civilian.”
Murney continued, “Eddie Grant, Brendan Quinn and Aubrey Harshaw all died on that terrible December night. Three families were to suffer tragic news on that Christmas Eve. Most tragically of all, the eldest of the three was only eighteen years of age.”
12376041_761359773964903_192992905747030606_nContinuing Stephen said, “Their deaths were a result of the injustices which arose from the partition of our country and the partition of our people. Over four decades later, the partition of this island and its people still remain unresolved.
“As we approach the centenary of 1916 next year, there is a clear onus on all Republicans to ensure that the age old struggle for national, political and social liberation can find new ways, means and methods by which to secure that same republic for which young people, like Brendan and Eddie, so willingly sacrificed their lives.”



Sunday 13 December 2015

éirígí: Newry’s Egyptian Arch Ambush Recalled

Saturday morning [December 12] saw éirígí activists remember three Republican soldiers who lost their lives during an ambush on British troops at the Egyptian Arch in Newry in 1920.

In the now annual event, tribute was paid to Volunteers John Francis O’Hare, William Canning and Peter Shields and a wreath was laid in their honour beside a commemorative plaque  erected by the socialist republican party several years ago.



Speaking at Saturday morning’s event, éirígí's Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said, "Today marks the 95th anniversary of this historic event. Tragically three volunteers were to lose their lives when they ambushed British forces.

"Earlier, Republican volunteers had attacked the RIC barracks in Camlough in an attempt to draw British reinforcements out from Newry and into a pre-planned ambush at the Egyptian Arch.

"Despite the task they faced, the volunteers willingly and bravely engaged the enemy on that cold December night. William Canning was fatally injured at the ambush scene and both Peter Shields  and  John Francis O’Hare later died as a result of wounds they received at the time.”

Murney concluded by saying, “Those who fought and gave their lives at this spot ninety five years ago did not do so for a partitionist settlement nor did they die in order for British rule to be administered through a puppet parliament at Stormont."