Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Parade and rededication of monument to commemorate Derrybeg republicans

Published: 14 August, 2009

Republicans from the Derrybeg and Meadow area of Newry have shown their determination to honour the area's republican dead by rededicating the monument in the estate. The unveiling of the new monument will take after a parade through Derrybeg on 29th August.

Encouraging a large attendance at the parade, Hughes/Grant/Watters Sinn Féin chairperson Aidan Mathers has said,

"The new monument will be a fitting tribute to the five republican volunteers from this area who gave their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom.

"I would encourage everyone from the local area and further afield to come along to this parade which promises to be family orientated and a fitting tribute to our patriot dead.

"The colour party will be led by local republican ex-prisoners who will be followed by children from the area carrying placards bearing the names of Newry's republican dead.

Mr. Mathers also commended the local community for their hard work in ensuring that the memorial would be ready for the parade.

"By their hard work the republicans from Derrybeg and the meadow have shown that the spirit which sustained them through years of conflict is still there. The community rallied together to rebuild these monuments and helped out in any way they could.

Mr Mathers added,

"During the parade we will also lay a wreath at the monument to Michael 'Sticky' Hughes who was murdered by the British Army when he was just 16 years old. The original monument was smashed by anti-social elements, but through tremendous hard work, the republican people from the area are currently restoring the monument which will be unveiled in the near future."

"The families of our patriot dead will also be proud that the memorial honours their loved ones in such a fitting manner."

Note to editors:

Assemble for the parade at 6.30pm at the bottom of the Camloch road.

Main speaker for the event is South Armagh republican Sean Hughes.

Proceedings will be chaired by Aidan Mathers and introduced by Cllr Marian Mathers

Crossmaglen, Cullyhanna, Camlough and Kilkeel republican flute bands will participate in the parade.

A function will follow the event in Bellinis at 8.30