Tabloid's Attempt to Demonise Óglach. Martin Meehan

Over the years of intense conflict in working-class areas across the North, the Sunday World 'Newspaper' has regularly printed sensational stories against Republicans and Loyalists. Many of these articles are sponsored and inspired by British Military Intelligence, MI5 and the RUC/PSNI in attempts to sew confusion and in the community. Usually, the paper will has focus on specific Political Activists for a variety of reasons. The majority of it's articles are insidious in nature and are based on titbits of information from various sources. Never true but as many Loyalists and Republicans have 'convictions' for conflict-related activity, they cannot legally challenge the accuracy of the claims printed. Which begs the question, just what is the agenda of the Sunday World? Are these stories in the interests of the Establishment or the wider community? Consequently, the paper has gained a discredited reputation for it's notorious 'exposes' and muck-raking stories.

Unsurprisingly, the same newspaper we never read articles about British Military Intelligence, MI5 or the RUC/PSNI Special Branch. Whose role during the conflict have been responsible for hundreds of killings of working-class people. Readers never read double-page exposes of the killers behind Bloody Sunday, the Ballymurphy Massercre, McGurk's. There are no articles about the dropping of copious amounts of CR Gas on defenceless Political Prisoners iin the Cages of Long Kesh in 1974. Nor the photos of the SAS and RUC Death Squads who gunned down dozens of young men during the many Shoot-To-Kill Operations. The names of Special Branch and MI5 Handlers are not printed in the Sunday World of those who colluded in the deaths of coutless citizens across the Six Counties.


Journalists and an Editorial Team in a Newspaper who fail to take into account how much hurt is caused by baseless articles against those still deemed a threat by the British State. Wifes', husbands and partners left confused. Young children who suffer the side-affects in scores of schools facing bullies reiterating corrupt headlines up and down the country. Strories printed in a newspaper does not make them factual, they are what they are. Without the facts, they are engaging in demonisation and only adds to increased suspicion by the public.  

Martin O'Hagan

Whilst the Media have a right to inform the public as part of Freedom of Speech. They also have a moral obligation not to cause distress to that public. Many of the stories published by the Sunday World do just that. A few years ago, a young man obviously suffering from illness committed sucide in public view. The paper uncaringly published a large photo of the terrible scene on it's front page. Without any feeling for the grieving family of the deceased nor anyone who bought the newspaper. A number of Journalists employed by the paper hurt come from dubious backgrounds. Such as Hugh Jordan, a former member of the Official Republican Movement. Who became a feirce critic of Republicans and advocate of the British State in Ireland. Martin O'Hagan, a former Political Prisoner who followed the same path as Jordan. O'Hagan was shot dead by the LVF in 2001.

"Sorry to say, I was given the wrong information about Eileen Calder being married to Hugh Jordan. It has since been totally removed from the following paragraph. Consequently, I apoligise unreservedly to Eileen Calder and her family for any hurt and distress I have caused them".


Last Thursday June 6 2013, the Sunday World contacted my sister Mary, concerning a recent Courtcase she was a Chief Witness in. They asked for an interview and arrangements were made for Journalist, Steven Moore and a Photographer to call to her Ardoyne home. The following morning, I recieved a call from my Aunt in West Belfast who said a Journalist had called to her home wanting to interview her about the same hearing. He claimed he had driven from Dublin and worked for the Sunday World. I was quite surprised, as I was aware that my sister had arrangements with the same newspaper for an interview and told her so. As a result of the phone call, my Aunt refused to conduct any interview with the caller. When the team from the Sunday World arrived, they were asked about the identity of the person who called to my Aunts. They immediately contacted the Editor, who later confirmed that Hugh Jordan had indeed called to her home. At the time, we thought it bizzare.

Imagine my surprise today, upon reading a double-page 'article' in the Sunday World penned by Hugh Jordan about my late father, Óglach. Martin Meehan (IRA). Under the seedy headline; 'Dirty Rat'. Jordan claimed it is an 'exclusive' interview with the same Aunt who refused to speak to him last week? Had he actually met her, he would have known that her surname isn't Long, which he claims in today's story! Secondly, he goes on to write an entirely untruthful story that my Dad sought an affair with his sister-in-law, my Aunt shortly after the tragic death of my devoted mother, Mary in 1977. Having spoken to my siblings, nieces, nephews and my own children, we collectively agreed to publicly challenge the so-called Journalist to produce evidence of his 'exclusive' interview with our Aunt. When such an interview took place and where? He goes onto say that our Dad was a; 'Two-timing love Rat'.Even though, he has no basis for such an outragrous claim.

Óglach. Martin Meehan and Martin Óg in 2006

What is also surprising about the story is that Hugh Jordan chose to publish an untruthful article within days of my sister Mary's tormentor, Briege McLaughlin admitting to criminal charges of Child Cruelty and Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) between 1979 & 1980 in a Belfast Court. A number of sexual abuse charges against McLaughlin were left, 'On the Books' on the orders of the Judge. The former Newtownabbey Councillor is due for sentence on July 2, 2013. Given the severe trauma suffered by Mary and the courageous steps taken by her to waive her 'Right to Anonimity' and speak to the Media about the extent of her abuse to encourage other Victims to find their voice. Jordan's latest 'story' is all the more surprising, given that the today's publication will only add to Mary's woes and inflict more pain hurt on her and her extended family. In spite of suffering from a range of dibilitating illnesses, our Aunt who attended Court last week to support Mary hasas also been hurt by this excuse of an article, as she has never spoken to him.

Maybe today's story in the Sunday World is a lesson in jealousy. In which Hugh Jordan expresses his long-held hatred of my late father? As he realises that he could never have the same level of respect my Dad earned within the Republican family throughout Ireland and beyond. After all apart from trying to blacken the good name of Óglach. Martin Meehan, what did his article achieve today? It only reinforces what the Irish Working-Class already knew of Hugh Jordan, his main interest in life is profiting from lies about various members of society. One can only hope that prior to closing his eyes for the final time, he seeks forgiveness from those he hurt in the name of profit. He would be better suited to working for the Sun Newspaper in London.

Ardoyne Residents to be Unfairly Prosecuted

The following statement was issued by the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC);

"GARC condemns in the strongest terms the impending prosecution of Ardoyne residents set for the 9th July 2013 for merely being on the streets of Ardoyne on the 1st of December 2012 at the time an Apprentice Boys Parade passed by. This draconian action must be condemned by all right thinking people.

These residents did not have any Banners, Placards, or signs nor was there any shouting, chanting, heckling or any noise or sound of any kind, the residents did not cause any disturbance nor did they try to impede or disrupt the Parade in any way. This development now means that Ardoyne residents cannot leave the confines of their home at the time of Loyal Order Parades without fear of being prosecuted by the PSNI, and effectively places all Ardoyne residents under House Arrest when Loyal Order Parades are scheduled. This is a clear breach of the Civil and Human rights of Ardoyne residents and a blatant case of Political Policing.


There has been a total failure by local Nationalist Politicians to defend the rights of Ardoyne residents and GARC calls on Politicians in North Belfast and further afield to make Public Statements supporting the residents. The hypocritical hollow words of PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggot “He is obliged by European Human Rights law to let people peacefully protest” or the words of First Minister Peter Robinson “Only a Tyrant would stop people from protest” shows yet again that the “City of Equals in an Island of Equals” is no more than a meaningless Slogan spouted by politicians to defend them for their inaction in bringing a fair, just or impartial Society and shows that there is no equality for Ardoyne residents as they are again treated as Second Class Citizens".

Issued by GARC Steering Committee.

Political Policing in Ardoyne (2010)





Briege 'Meehan': Guilty without Remorse nor Apology

Like most Working-Class families across British-occupied Ireland, the Meehan family lived through what can only be described as a War zone. Our first home on the outskirts of Ardoyne was bombed by Loyalists in 1970, forcing us to move to the nearby, 66. Northwick Drive. I have many, many happy memories at that address, apart from the almost daily raiding 'paries' of the hostile British Army, regular arrests of my Republican father and the empty seat at our kitchen table as my Dad was either On the Run, Interned, or out defending Irish National Sovereignty, as an IRA Volunteer. As well as, the communities of Ardoyne, Bone, South Armagh and Derry City from vicious attacks by Imperialists and their Unionist puppets.

Dad was only able to return home to us after the British Government ended it's draconian policy of Internment Without Trial in December, 1975. The photo below, taken within hours after his release from Long Kesh, clearly illustrates us as a proud, happy and united family. Within eighteen months of the photograph being taken in Northwick Drive, our devoted mother Mary (34) tragically died from cancer. As one can imagine, we were all completely devastated as she had been our rock. The huge number of mourners who visited our home to pay their respects and walked behind her coffin were a testament to the respect she had in Ardoyne and beyond. She was never a Republican, merely a dedicated wife, loving mother and genuine friend to those she met. Sadly, as with every Internee's wife,  she had to endure her husband's years of absence, finding money to feed herself and her three young kids. She also had to travel to Mountjoy Gaol in Dublin, Long Kesh in Dublin and Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast for fleeting weekly 'visits' with her husband of her husband for years. The effect of all the problems associated with my Dad's activism had a negative impact on her health and she contracted the dreaded cancer.

Martin Óg (Myself), Martin (Dad), Kevin (Brother), Mary (Mum) and Mary (Sister) in our Ardoyne home (1975)

Eighteen months after the tragic death of our mother, the Meehan family threshold was crossed by our Dad's new girlfriend, Mrs. Briege McLaughlin. She was already expecting Dad's baby at the time. The arrival of this woman, left my siblings and I quite bemused and confused. However, my brother, sister and I agreed to make her welcome because our father deserved happiness after the untimely demise of our mother. We did not know that Briege had caused immense heartache in her previous home. Which she had shared with her husband, Patrick McLaughlin and daughter, Jacqueline. When she admitted to having an extra-martial affair with my Dad. She immediately packed her bags and left her husband and young daughter in their semi-detached Deerpark Grove house. As one can imagine, nine year-old Jacqueline was left devastated that her mummy had left home. To the best of my knowledge, Briege couldn't have been nicer between February and July, 1979 in our terraced Ardoyne home. We were at School most of the time and hardly had much contact with Briege, as kids we also went to bed at nights pretty early.

Briege McLaughlin pictured in July, 1980 by the Anderstown News

In early June 1979, Briege gave birth to a baby girl called; Bronagh. It was nice to have a little baby around the house and even though it was a culture change, we enjoyed her company. Around the same time, Independent Unionist; Jim Kilfedder, the North Down M.P. named my father, Martin in the British Parliament as the Leader of the Provisional IRA in Belfast and called for his immediate incarcartion. A few weeks later, Republicans in North Belfast had identified a paid Informer, Stephen McWilliams (17) from the New Lodge area. As was normal practise during the recent Conflict, McWilliams was arrested by the IRA and taken for questioning. He was taken to Ardoyne and held for a number of days before being rescued by the Crown Forces. The Teenager was soon convinced by his Handlers in British Military Intelligence to identify and implicate Martin Meehan in his abduction and imprisonment. Even though, our father had not been in Belfast at the time, Kilfedder had achieved his objective. 

Arch-Bigot and Unionist MP, Jim Kilfedder.

Almost immediately after our Dad's arrest and incarceration in Crumlin Road Gaol, Briege began a depraved campaign of abuse against my sister Mary. The details of which are too harrowing for me to write about, as they cause me and my family so much pain. Although, they have been widely reported in the Irish Media in recent days, after Briege finally admitted her guilt to a Belfast Court on Wednesday June 4, 2013. Thirty-three years after they occurred in Northwick Drive. Mary sought Medical, Social Services and School reports from the years, 1979 and 1980 concerning her after our Dad died suddenly in November, 2007. She never wanted to hurt him regarding Briege's crimes against her and she respectfully waited until he left this world, before initiating her struggle to get justice from Briege. As everyone now knows, he was in a British Gaol at the time and Briege's twisted crimes have absolutely no bearing nor reflection upon his memory. Kevin, Mary and I do not blame our Dad, one iota for what happened back then. He could not have possibly known his then Girlfriend was a Child-Abuser. Nor could he have prevented the sick attacks against his young daughter. Martin Meehan's honourable character and legacy remain intact, now as it has always been. He was a committed Socialist, a dedicated father and the strongest advocate for a 32 County Irish Republic in which; 'all the children are treated equally'....

Óglach. Martin Meehan and Provisional IRA Volunteer on Active Service (1972)

Briege McLaughlin (Nee Hogg) not only 'fooled' our father, she also duped her two children, the majority of Provisional Sinn Fein Activists and the wider community. That she was a 'normal' person, mother, wife and Republican. We knew the truth but didn't inform anyone of the true nature behind her unprovoked assaults, mental torture and drunken outbursts upon our sister in our home. We know for a fact that senior members of S/F and the IRA within North Belfast covered up Briege's campaign of terror. Over a hundred brave Ardoyne women protested outside our home about what she had subjected Mary to after she was taken and placed in a safe environment away from Briege. S/F knew many of the facts behind the protest and yet not only permitted her to join the fledgling Party but gave her senior roles in it's Comhairle Ceanntar (District Executive) in the early Eighties. They also selected her to stand in successive elections as a Party Candidate in Newtownabbey in 2001 and 2005. She was not suspended until I (myself) notified them that Mary had a mountain of evidence against one of it's Councillors'. She eventually resigned from S/F in 2010 but not before she had stolen over 10,000 Pounds from the Party coffers, owed to them by Briege as payment for expense's.

The RUC and Social Services were also culpable in allowing Briege to viciously brutalise Mary. As we have written reports of meetings held to discuss my sister's abuse between both Agencies. However, both organisations failed her and it took a full eight months after the initial reports were made by neighbours from Northwick Drive. We, the Court, Public Prosecution Service (PPS), PSNI and a number of Belfast Journalists have the names and positions of the 'Professionals' who utterly failed ten year-old, Mary. As with Sinn Fein's knowledge about my sister's horrific beatings at the hands of Briege McLaughlin. Likewise, we also have in our position the names of current and former S/F members, who instead of making Briege accountable for her criminal mistreatment and cruelty of our sister. Fooled the Party Leadership into believing that Mary's allegations, were the claims of a disturbed woman. They also fully backed Briege's rise within Sinn Fein that culminated in her being elected as a Party Representative on Newtownabbey Council in 2001. Even though, she was never an Irish Republican in the first place.

The Meehan family demand a full and public apology to Mary from Social Services, PSNI and Sinn Fein. Even though, I personally notified the Party in 2008 about Mary's willingness to have Briege charged due to the mountain of evidence in our Mary's possession. She has yet to be officially notified that Briege was even suspended, resigned her membership or offered Mary any help or advice in the intervening years. North Belfast residents often listen to Gerry Kelly and Caral Ni Chulainn's demands that a Truth Commission be created; 'to deal with the past'. One of the above MLA's  sits on the 'Policing Board' in the North as one of the Party's three representatives. Ni Chulainn is also a Minister in the Stormont Executive, both carry considerable influence within Sinn Fein and beyond.

Caral Ni Chualinn MLA

Gerry Kelly MLA

Without public apologies from the above organisations, my sister will not be able to fully receive justice, nor rebuild her life and that of her four children who also suffered horrible side-effects of Briege's reign of terror on their loving mother. Mary is not only a victim of a cruel abuser, she is also the daughter of the late Martin Meehan, a Republican who's selfless sacrifice in pursuit of an Ireland free from foreign occupation. As a result, he endured much and died in his Sixties. His wife, Mary died at the age of 34, from stomach cancer after suffering years of torment from the British Army, RUC and Loyalist Paramilitaries. All of which, attempted on numerous occasions used insidious policies of any means necessary to have executed our father! 

On a final note a chairde regular readers of Ardoyne Republican, will never again write anything about Briege in respect of my sister, Mary's latest wishes. She has asked me to do so and I fully respect her request. She further requested that I make it clear, that Journalists allow her to return to a private life and not to seek interviews with her. Since Briege admitted her guilt this week, Mary has courageously detailed her horrendous abuse for a number of local Media organisations. However, it has taken all of her strength to do so and now she wants to her private life to return. Thanks to everyone who have expressed their support for Mary, it is deeply appreciated by us all. 

The Latest from MagHaberry Gaol

Two comrades and I had a visit in Maghaberry this morning with a Cogús POW from Derry called Dermot McFadden. Who had also served time in Portlaoise in the past, a genuine Republican. Also out on the visits were two Cogús lads from Ardoyne, Ta McWilliams and Paddy Larkin who had visits with their kids. I also spoke for a time to Tony Taylor who has been held on Remand for the past two years on spurious charges levelled against him by the unreformed RUC. Like Ta, Tony is also a former H-Block Prisoner and at the time of his political arrest in his native Derry was a valued and influential member of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU's) Ard Chomhairle. 

Dermot sentenced to a lengthy term behind bars by a Non-Jury (Diplock) Court explained something about the way in which Republican Prisoners are still mistreated in the Gaol. In spite of, an agreement between POWs' and the Administration in August, 2010. Bigoted Screws reneged on the deal and frustrated the Prisoners that ensured they returned to protest against their conditions. Over the next eighteen months, dozens of imprisoned Republicans were confined to their cells, 24 hours per day with no exercise, no association, limited comunication with families, regular beatings and forced Strip-Searches. The POWs' had no option but destroy their cells and also culminated in a Dirty Protest. In Novemeber 2012, Stormont's so-called Justice Minister eventually agreed that Strip-Searching would be replaced with new electronic scanners. His announcement helped end the dead-lock and within days, the protest was called off. To date, the Scanners still haven't been installed at Maghberry and Political Prisoners and their Representatives continue to demand an end to Human-Rights abuses.



British Courts used to rubber-stamp political imprisonment in the North dangle the use of electronic tags as a bail condition for Republicans. Knowing full-well that Republican Prisoners do not want classed as criminals, given the honourable legacy of Irish Political Prisoners, twenty-two of which died horrible deaths on Hunger-Strike during the 20th Century to prove they were not criminals. Therefore, most Republicans refuse and remain behind bars for up to three years, the equivalent of a six year prison sentence. It is nothing short of an abuse of due process and the Legal System, Politicians and Media in the Six Counties permit it to happen without complaint.

It was heartening to see Brian Shivers, recently acquited of a frame-up. He and a couple of other recently-released POWs' were up visiting a few friends still imprisoned in Roe House. It is very kind of Brian and the others who despite still suffering the negative effects of politicl imprisonment still care for their welfare and spending time with them. Friendships formed inside between people last a lifetime.



Maghaberry Gaol



After an hour, all visitors including the families of POWs' were informed their visits had ended. Only an hour is a crime in the 21st Century. How can Political Prisoners maintain and strengthen relationships with relatives, particularly children is a crime itself. Thirteen years after the closure of Long Kesh, one would imagine that visits would have substantially improved somewhat. As an Ex-POW myself, I felt terrible guilty heading home afterwards to be with my family, especially when witnessing Tony's son and Paddy's son, both of who are disabled and clearly love their fathers! When, so many families are broken by the never-ending incarceration of Republicans in British Gaols.

Tonight, let us all recall the suffering and endurence of Republican Prisoners everywhere and please support them and their families!

Despite Cosmetic Changes, the PSNI Remain a Unionist Militia

For the past couple of days, a number of Stormont Politicians, senior RUC/PSNI members, as well as, some Provisional, UDA and UVF Leaders have been housed in a first-class Hotel in Cardiff, Wales paid for by Taxpayers. Apparently, they were speaking about how contentious parades affect various communities and serious tension surrounding the policing of sectarian marches. Unsurprisingly, the names of all of those attending and full details of the itinerary are being withheld by the Political Police.

What is surprising is that the Loyal Orders who insist on marching through the few Nationalist and Republican districts, where they are not welcome were not present. Nor were a number of Residents Groups who represent local people. The BBC and UTV have led the propaganda charge alongside numerous statements from the RUC/PSNI to various newspapers, claiming the Wales Junket will reap benefits for the marching season. Seemingly, the British Police are chairing the event after all they believe their own well-rehearsed lies, that they are constantly stuck in the middle between two opposing communities. Whereas, working-class communities across the occupied North who continue to endure oppressive policing Republican and Loyalist know full well that the Peelers are neither partial nor professional nor impartial.

How the British Police, Elected Politicians and a few others can hope to end centuries of sectarian marches or Political Policing without the input of one of the main protagonist's in the equation, the Loyal Orders is beyond seasoned observers. Given the fact that these secret societies consistently refuse to speak with residents groups who oppose triumphalist parades. The same observers also cannot understand why most residents were not asked to go to Cardiff in spite of their repeated statements calling for genuine dialogue.

What is intriguing about the talks was an interview by Provisional Sinn Fein's, Gerry Kelly MLA to the North Belfast News in which he claimed the talks in Wales were about Policing and not parades. According to Kelly; 'These talks have come from a document called Policing with the Community'. He went a little further and said that the document had came from the University of Ulster, Stanford University and the unreformed RUC. 'To address a lack of confidence in the Police'. For the first time in six years, the 'Justice and Policing' Spokesman for S/F admitted that; 'confidence in the force has eroded within the nationalist community'.

Since the Shinners endorsed the RUC/PSNI in 2007, the Party has consistently told it's electorate that they have been successful in achieving the reforms needed to change the British Police in the Six Counties. They asked the Catholic, Nationalist and Republican community to trust them in 'bringing manners to the PSNI'. Six years later, it has finally dawned on Kelly and his colleagues that their promises had plenty of rhetoric but were empty on substance. The trust placed in them by many was clearly misplaced, as there has been no 'New Beginning to Policing' at all. Plastic Bullets continue to be used against people with the approval of the Policing Board and District Policing Boards. Politicians also told us that the Ombudsman would end decades of threats, intimidation and brutality but it is worse than useless. Accountability measures lauded by the same Party such as, the Policing Board and District Policing Boards have failed miserably. When the British Secretary of State and Chief Constable can order the mobilisation and deployment of British Army Regiments without consultation or approval by the above bodies.

The 'normalisation' of a British Police Force active on Irish soil has not occurred nor will it in the next seven years. All the evidence available to Working-Class Nationalists & Republicans have proven that the so-called PSNI have not embraced the way in which Sinn Fein promised. One only has to analyise the figures for Stop & Search Operations conducted by the 'New Police' as an indication of how their Political nature has not changed. Likewise, they have little interest in tackling Anti-Community elements in area's such as, Ardoyne. The only reason they even arrest known thugs and Drug Dealers is with the intention of  recruiting them as Informers. In 2005, the PSNI also approved the use of children as Informers. Between 2008 -2009, Informers were paid around 299.000 pounds, since then the amount has increased significantly. A year later, it increased by almost double. 

Despite a change of name, uniform and emblem, the PSNI is a Unionist Militia, upholding a Partitionist British State with a huge arsenal, a Political Force within managed and directed by MI5. They have enforced legislation against Irish citizens which has been found draconian and illegal by various Courts. Our fellow citizens can also be held for a full month behind bars before being charged with a suspected offence. Former Political Prisoners like, Martin Corey and Marian Price have been Interned at the behest of MI5 with RUC/PSNI and Court facilitation for years. What is required is that the Nationalist and Republican community as a whole, need to recognise that the PSNI is the RUC by another name. Small boycotts in different communities will enable a more effective campaign to force Politicians to end British Political Policing in Ireland.  

GARC Call on Loyal Orders to Build a Realistic Peace

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective,steering committee held a meeting on Friday May 10th 2013 in relation to the proposed/leaked talks in Cardiff, Wales to be held sometime next week organised by O.F.M.D.F.M and the PSNI re: contentious parades/protests and flag issues.



We in G.A.R.C after lengthy discussion around the above development wish to make our position crystal clear: No representitives from our residents group will be present whether it be in Wales,or New South Wales in Oz, as we deem this a cosmetic farce organised solely on the grounds of attempting to garner support and acceptance of the failed and discredited PSNI, which we in the Catholic, Nationalist and Republicann communities view this as nothing more than a Political Police Force ran by MI5 and its Masters in the British Government and their direct involvement around issues including unwelcome and equally unnecessary sectarian parading through several areas of contention ie; Carrickhill, Springfield Rd, Short Strand, Rasharkin, Garvaghy Rd and Newtownbutler which our people clearly oppose as blatant acts of naked bigotry masked as religious and cultural celebrations.

To conclude, G.A.R.C as the largest single-issue resident's group in the Greater Ardoyne area, our sole aim is total opposition to all with regards to the Loyal Orders whom by their continued insistence on marching where they are clearly not welcome and equally the PSNI who facilitate such bigotry with every means at their disposal. We make this direct appeal to the above, if they are genuinely serious about entering into a shared future with their Catholic, Nationalist and Republican neighbours. They must take a bold step up to the mark and desist from treating our communities as Second Class Citizens and lets build together, a real and genuine island of equals in which a shared future can exist, one in which we and ALL our children deserve. Then and only then, can we together realistically consider looking at bringing walls & barriers that divide our communities down, once and for all.



Signed: Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective Steering Committee

Óglach. Seán McKee - Independent Republican Commemoration

Óglach. Seán McKee

Óglach.  Seán (Sid) McKee (17) lived in Labrook Drive, Ardoyne for most of his young life. After attending Holy Cross and St. Gabriel's Schools, he worked as an apprentice asphalter until his death. Prior to joining Óglaigh na hÉireann, Sean had been active in the local Na Fianna Éireann Slua which had lost four members the year before. The killing of four mates had a huge impact on Sid and convinced him to volunteer his many talents to the Provisional IRA in North Belfast. Throughout his time in the Republican Movement, Sean was well-respected by his comrades.

On the morning of May 18th, 1973, Sean was on Active-Service in Old Ardoyne and called into a friend's house in Fairfield Street. Unbeknown to Sid, a well-armed covert British Army Unit had broken into a derelict house in Butler Street overlooking the Street during the early hours of the morning. The British eventually observed Sean and accompanied by a number of others calling into a house in Fairfield Street.

As Sean and a friend left a while later, one of the Paratroopers took aim and fired at Sid hitting him in the chest. Sean fell to the ground badly wounded, as friends and neighbours went to his aid. The British again opened fire directing rounds around his body that prevented anyone from helping Sid. The Brits radioed for back-up and within minutes, armoured vehicles raced to the scene from their nearby Barracks in Flax Street. A local First-Aid Team and a Priest couldn't even approach Sean, as the Paras kept firing in their direction.

Shortly after, a British Army armoured ambulance arrived, when soldiers got out they lifted Sean and literally, threw him into the back of the vehicle. Residents shouted their protests at the callousness of soldiers in handling their friend. The Priest again attempted to administer to the Teenager but was refused. The priest then approached the armoured ambulance and asked to see Sid but was bluntly informed; ‘No one is getting in here,' he was then driven off.

A statement was issued to the Media that evening by the RUC, who claimed a British Army Patrol witnessed a man take up a firing position in Fairfield Street. ‘The troops opened fire and the man fell to the ground. An Armalite rifle was found beside him.’ In spite of, the erroneous claim, no gun was ever found nor was any shots were fired at the Paras in Butler Street. According to the Brits, they fired an extra three shots into Fairfield St, to prevent the rifle being taken away...Yes, the same 'rifle' they used to attempt to justify Sean's murder. He wasn't given an opportunity to surrender, nor did the British troops attempt to arrest him.

Seán McKee was not the only Volunteer to be gunned down in Ardoyne, by the same British Army Regiment in 1973. On March 27, Óglach. Pat McCabe (17) had been with his girlfriend in her home. After leaving her, he went for a walk around Ardoyne, meeting and talking to a few friends. While he walked along Etna Drive at the bottom of Holmdene Gardens, a single shot rang out and Patrick fell to the ground. Residents who rushed to his aid discovered he had been struck in the chest by a single bullet. Local residents quickly obtained a car to take Pat to hospital. he was put in the back seat and accompanied by a woman and three men. The car however, did not get far before British soldiers stopped it and ordered those inside to get out at gunpoint. Despite their pleas about the condition of Patrick, the Brits refused to allow them to continue to the hospital! Instead, they arrested the four of them! When Patrick eventually reached the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Those arrested were released hours later and none were ever charged with any offence. The British later issued a statement claiming soldiers had shot a youth after he pointed a weapon at one of their foot-patrols. They said they had shot Pat, before he could fire at British Troopsfour people. Óglach. Brian Smyth (32) was killed a month earlier, after the Brits claimed he was among a group of armed men at the bottom of Brompton Park on 17 April 1973. Several years later, one of the soldiers involved admitted at the appeal of one of the men arrested after the shooting and charged with possession that he had lied. He said none of the men had a gun and they had opened fire when their C/O said the men were IRA. The same British Officer told the young soldier to lie after the shooting. Local residents who witnessed the three killings have always disputed the British Army version of events. To date, no British soldiers have ever been charged in connection with the killings of Seán, Pat or Brian.

It is with great pride that I can announce as part of Sean's 40th anniversary, that local Ardoyne Republicans have bought a beautiful marble plaque dedicated to Óglach. Seán McKee. Sadly, Fairfield Street is no longer there, like so many parts of Old Ardoyne. However, the plaque will be placed at the very spot where Sean died, now known as the League Entry (Elmfield Street) and officially unvielled during a short ceremony on Saturday 18th May, 2013 @ 2pm. I would urge everyone to attend and honour Sean and his courage. 'They have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace'...P.H. Pearse.