Loughgall Martyrs

On the evening of the 8th May 1987 eight Volunteers of the East Tyrone Brigade, Óglaigh Na hÉireann, approached the RUC barracks in Loughgall.  Vol. Declan Arthurs was driving a JCB digger loaded with a 200lb bomb, supported by Vol. Gerard O’Callaghan.

In support of this, a commandeered Toyota Hiace van was driven by Vol. Eugene Kelly.  Seated beside him was the Officer Commanding the East Tyrone Brigade, Vol. Paddy Kelly.  In the rear of the van were Vol. Jim Lynagh, Vol. Padraig McKearney, Vol. Seamus Donnelly and Vol. Tony Gormley.

The SAS brought in a squad of heavily armed, specially trained men the day before the attack to reinforce the RUC Special Task Force. They set up four separate ambush positions around the site of the barracks with a 5th squad positioned inside the barracks itself.  Although the Active Service Unit was under constant surveillance, the SAS allowed them to enter the village unhindered, watched them drive past the barracks a number of times, then waited for them to detonate the bomb before unleashing a devastating fusillade of heavy fire.

The ambush ended with the SAS having fired thousands of rounds.  All eight IRA Volunteers lay dead.  Also dead was Anthony Hughes, a civilian killed by the SAS fire, who drove into the ambush area with his brother Oliver. Oliver who was also seriously wounded with massive head injuries, miraculously survived despite being denied medical attention for a significant period of time after the ambush.

This web site has been created to commemorate the fearlessness, bravery and audacity of these men, who brought the fight for freedom to the British in a series of raids against a number of barracks throughout Tyrone and Armagh in the period running up to the 8th May 1987, to say nothing of their combined years of IRA guerrilla activity dating back to the earliest days of the current troubles.

We salute them, their bravery and the bravery of their families.

We have also included various different materials from other sources which further describe and illustrate the events of the day.

It is our hope, that young people who don’t remember the 8th May 1987 and read this, will appreciate the heroism and single-mindedness of these men, and many more men and women like them, who made the ultimate sacrifice and who gave up years of their lives in jails around the world, in the fight for Ireland’s freedom.

Beir Bua,

The Loughgall Commemoration Committee.

15th February 2007.

The period leading up to Ireland gaining independence remains hugely popular with readers both at home and abroad. The success of the film The Wind That Shakes the Barley has served further to ignite interest in those turbulent years. Comrades: Inside the War of Independence, a companion volume to the hugely successful Witnesses: Inside the Easter Rising, draws on official witness statements taken in the late 1940s and only released to the public in 2002. In its judicious use of the statements given by the foot-soldiers and second-line participants in the War of Independence, the book provides a unique perspective on the events of the War of Independence. Annie Ryan organises the events geographically and includes a chapter on the significant role played by women throughout the conflict.
The flying columns, the ambushes, the activities of the Black and Tans and the reprisals are all vividly outlined through the voices of the protagonists, who recollect their roles, great and small, in the struggle that ultimately led to the Treaty negotiations and the establishment of the Irish Free State. Rare and unpublished images serve to illustrate the events and the book will feature an introduction by well-known historian and author Dr.Diarmuid Ferriter.

About The Author

Annie Ryan is a retired schoolteacher who is best known for her work championing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and mental-health problems. Her campaigning in relation to the state mental hospital in Portrane gained her national prominence, and she ran in the 1997 general election as an independent candidate on this issue. Annie.s father Tom Harris took part in the Rising and was one of the witnesses interviewed in the 1940s. Half a century on, the release of the records has enabled her to read the accounts of her own father and hundreds of others who were involved in events that would prove to be crucial to Ireland's achievement of independence.

In The Shooting of Michael Collins the author calmly examines the controversial circumstances surrounding the death of this brilliant leader, putting all the evidence before the discerning reader.

For this edition the author rewrote large sections of the book, incorporating new information that came his way. It has aroused exceptional and absorbing interest in this baffling and bewildering mystery.

Reads like a detective novel would make a great summer read!

Very Rare Archival Photo

10 x 8-inch High quality photo printed on Fuji film Crystal Archive paper.

Framed and mounted behind glass.

Black wood frame.

Inscription reads: Dublin 1922 IRA Volunteers Defend the Irish Republic

Please note that the copyright watermark will not be on the photo we send you.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

- Seán Ó Riada's film music on CD, including previously unreleased material

- Premiere of 'Saoirse' at the Regal Cinema, Dublin, 20th October 1961, as seen on the Gael Linn newsreel 'Amharc Éireann'

Following on from the successful DVD release of Mise Éire, comes the second film in the George Morrison series. The Gael Linn film SAOIRSE (freedom) depicts the Irish struggle for independence in the years 1919 to 1922 as recorded by the newsfilm camera operators of the time and shows the part played in the political events of those eventful years by leaders on all sides, such as Eamon de Valera, Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, Cathal Brugha, Richard Mulcahy, Tomás MacCurtain, Terence MacSwiney, Sir James Craig, King George V, David Lloyd George, Lord Birkenhead and Winston Churchill. Includes Seán Ó Riada’s digitally remastered film music on separate CD, including previously unreleased material. Tracks 1-14 feature music frst issued by Gael Linn on the extended play record Saoirse. Tracks 15-46 present an overview of Seán Ó Riada’s entire soundtrack for the film Saoirse.

PLAYS IN ALL DVD REGIONS

This Celtic cross pendant has been specially designed for the Sinn Féin Shop. Each piece has been individually crafted in Dublin. Its design is based on the Memorial to the Loughall Martyrs in Co Armagh. In May 1987 the British army (SAS) shot dead an eight man IRA active service unit in Loughall.

The writing reads: Oglaigh na hEireann - which is Irish for Irish Republican Army. The sunburst symbol at the bottom is based on the Flag of Oglaigh na hEireann.

Measures approx. 1.25 inches tall.
Comes with a 20 inch silver chain and a beautiful presentation box.

• Intro
• Sunday Bloody Sunday
• Back Home in Derry
• Willie and Danny
• Redemption Song
• Irish Soldier Laddie
• Say Hello to the Provos
• Fields of Athenry
• Something Inside So Strong

Double mounted in a black wooden frame behind glass.

Print size: approx 8.25 inches / 21 cm by 5.90 inches / 15 cm

Frame size: approx 11 inches / 28 cm 13 inches / 33 cm.

Double mounted in a black wooden frame behind glass.

Print size: approx 8.25 inches / 21 cm by 5.90 inches / 15 cm

Frame size: approx 11 inches / 28 cm 13 inches / 33 cm.

The Story of the Brookebough Raid has been made famous through the song in the widely rendered Seán South of Garryowen.
 
This year sees the 50th anniversary of the Brookebough raid.

This great new t-shirt has been produced to celebrate the anniversary.

This publication is to honour the life of Belfast Republican, Sean Mc Caughey who died on Hunger-Strike in Portlaoise Gaol on May 11th 1946. Sean was a highly respected and popular Gaelic Teacher, who taught in the Ard Scoil in Divis Street. He was also a dedicated member of both the G.A.A. and Gaelic League. In private though, Sean was an influential I.R.A. Volunteer, who served as Northern Command O/C, Adjutant-General and for a short time as Chief Of Staff.

Another objective of this book is to shed some light on a turbulent period in Irish history often overlooked by writers. The Thirties and Forties, where tales of courage and treachery became commonplace.  How the Authorities in Dublin, Belfast and England collaborated to thwart an I.R.A. Campaign. Using the harshest of measures against Republicans including, Internment, Special Courts and Executions. The most important of all was, how De Valera hide behind the mask of wartime censorship to persecute Political Prisoners.

The reader will have the opportunity to scrutinize both political systems, North & South. The legacy they had on Republican activity for the duration of World War??. Undoubtedly, one will also question the sanctimonious attitude of Fianna Fail toward Unionists in Stormont.

At the time, a majority of people in Ireland were mostly unaware about the lack of civil liberty when rules of justice were suspended and replaced with Military Tribunals. It will expose the duplicity of De Valera who requested clemency for Volunteer. Tom Williams, who was hanged in 1942, while his Government executed six other Republicans.

Sean was among a number of Republican Prisoners who were singled out for ‘Special Treatment’. For over five years they were held in barbaric conditions in Portlaoise. Before he embarked on a Hunger and Thirst Strike in an attempt to highlight the terrible conditions, which he and his comrades endured. Sean depended on De Valera’s sense decency. Sadly within weeks he died an agonising death. 

Ultimately, Sean’s inquest caused outrage throughout Ireland, eventually leading to the downfall of the Fianna Fail Government in 1948.

Shortly after the tragic death of Volunteer. Sean Mc Caughey, renowned Irish Poet and former Republican Prisoner, Brendan Behan dedicated the following piece to his fellow comrades who lost their lives between 1936 - 1946.

The Dead March Past

Behind the files of Easter Week
And rank, battalion tread of twenty-two
Close behind the lime-stained dead of twenty-two
Sean Russell at their head they come.

The two that swung in Birmingham, with ordered step
From off the gallows floor.
Now march beside Mc Grath and Harte, & the boys blown up at Castlefin.
Its fiery roar lights the wasted flesh of D’Arcy & Mc Neela,
Kelly, Reynolds, Mc Cafferty made whole again to join in strict array this dead march past on Easter Day.

Come now all the lonely ones, all solitary as they pass.
Maurice O’Neill, Dick Goss, George Plant, young Williams, Casey, Glynn, O’Callaghan,
On Jackey Griffith’s right, comes Paddy Dermody,
So quick avenged by one as dear to us - tho’ not as yet departed to the columns of the night.
Rockey’ Burns rises up from Chapel Lane; Charlie Kerins lives, and laughs again.
Perry and Malone from Parkhurst come to march beside Mc Caughey and greet the Easter dawn.

Behind the files of Easter Week,
And all the gallant dead of yesteryear they come,
Their step a hope, a dread salute
To you who march their way,
And pledge your word this Easter Day.

The story of the Brookeborough Raid has been made famous throughout Ireland and the world through song in the widely rendered “Sean South from Garryowen” to name but one. However, these songs only tell part of the story and do not do adequate justice to the bravery of these two young men and the bravery of their comrades.

“Twas on a dreary New Years Eve
As the shades of night came down
A lorry load of volunteers approached a border town
There were men from Dublin and from Cork
Fermanagh and Tyrone.”

This booklet offers the reader a unique opportunity to witness the unfolding of this momentous story as told by those people with first hand memories of that time.

The booklet also contains many original photographs and other personal memorabilia most of which have never been published before.

The Boys Of The Old Brigade – Shamrog
On The One Road – Shamrog
Aidan McAnespie – Poitin
The Rising Of The Moon - Dermot O'Brien
One Shot Paddy – Justice
Plastic Bullets - Terence O'Neill & Cormac O'Moore
Come Out Ye Black And Tans – Shamrog
The Lid Of Me Granny's Bin – Blackthorn
Roll Of Honour – Justice
The Foggy Dew – The Fighting Men of Crossmaglen
The People's Own M.P. - Terence O'Neill & Cormac O'Moore
Sean South Of Garyowen – Shamrog
The Broad Black Brimmer – The Fighting Men of Crossmaglen
Free The People – Shamrog
Joe McDonnell - Terence O'Neill & Cormac O'Moore
Rock On Rockall – Justice
A Nation Once Again – Shamrog
The Irish Soldier Laddie – The Fighting Men of Crossmaglen
Celtic Symphony – Poitin
Go On Home British Soldiers - Shan-Nos

Playlist:

• Black 47….James Connolly (live in New York)
• Scott Mx Turner…1 Para
• Damien Dempsey..Rythm of Time  
• Seanchai….Fenians
• H-Blocks Pows..Deportees
• Terry “Cruncher” O'Neill…Vive La Quinta Brigada
• Black 47..San Patricio Brigade
• Gary Og…Redemption Song (live in Hamburg)
• Seanchai and the Unity squad…Ernesto Guevara Lynch
• Los Fastidios..Antifa Hooligan
• Barry Kerr….Guantanamo Bay
• Pol Macadaim… Internationale
  

“Black 47..are proud to add its name to “Saoirse” and the stand against racism. Both James Connolly and the San Patricio Brigade gave their lives to ensure that all people should be free and equal regardless of race, relgion or nationality. Peace.”  Larry Kirwan
 

”We are honoured to be part of this project. Its great your mounting a Anti fascist/racist campaign. The devils advocate support you." Scott mx Turner

"Good luck with the project”  Pol Macadaim

Set in Cork, Ireland in 1920, Damien abandons a career as a doctor after seeing a friend of his murdered by a British soldier and joins his brother Teddy in an Irish Republican Army unit in order to defeat the occupying British force. After a violent struggle, the two sides agree a treaty to end the conflict. However, civil war erupts and families and friendships are stretched to the limit and Damien and Teddy find themselves on opposing sides as Damien views the treaty as a sell-out that fails to bring all of Ireland under Irish control. British director Ken Loach (KES, LAND AND FREEDOM) became the 59th winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes with this emotional drama about the Irish Civil War of the 1920s and the film features superb performances from a young Irish cast.

PLEASE NOTE THIS DVD WILL NOT PLAY IN THE USA UNLESS YOU HAVE A MULTI REGION DVD PLAYER.

IT WILL PLAY IN IRELAND, BRITIAN AND EUROPE.

Edited by Dublin republican Mícheál MacDonncha, the book tells the story of the Sinn Féin century in the words of Republicans themselves over the ten decades since the organisation was established.

Lavishly illustrated with an introduction by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

The book traces the political history of Ireland from 1905 to 2005. It moves from the founding of Sinn Féin to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Black and Tan War, the Partition of Ireland and the Civil War. It speaks with the voice of Republicans in the subsequent years of what James Connolly rightly predicted would be the ‘Carnival of Reaction’ North and South. It gives an insight in the Border Campaign of the 1950s.

It records the struggle of Republicans through the Civil Rights Movement, the collapse of Unionist one-party rule, internment, Bloody Sunday and the long and tragic war. It reflects popular resistance to British rule, the heroism of prisoners, culminating in the hunger strikes, and the emergence of Sinn Féin as a strong all-Ireland political party - despite all the efforts of its opponents. Finally it brings us to the peace process and looks forward to the Ireland of Equals now being built by Sinn
Féin.

From the Introduction by Gerry Adams:

“…we remember especially all those republicans who lived, worked and died for freedom. We remember them – we remember them with great pride and love.

Their absence reminds us of how much we have lost in this struggle. Each one was a unique, irreplaceable human being. These were ordinary men and women who in extraordinary and difficult circumstances found their inner strength, determination and courage to stand against injustice and oppression, to demand the rights and entitlements of the Irish people.

Our task – our duty – is to make their vision their dream a reality.”

Contents:

• The Early Years 1905 – 1909
• Birth of the Republic 1910 -1918
• A Nation at war 1919 – 1922
• Carnival of Reaction 1923 – 1948
• Resurgence 1949 – 1962
• Civil and national rights 1962 – 1970
• The risen people 1971 – 1975
• The long war 1976 – 1991
• Building peace and freedom 1992 – 2005
• Sinn Féin Roll of Honour

The Wind That Shakes the Barley, has won the top prize at the Cannes film festival.

The film, which stars Irish actor Killian Murphy and is directed by Ken Loach, won the Palme D'Or. It is due to go on general release in Ireland on the 23rd of June.

Ireland 1919: workers from field and town unite to form a volunteer guerrilla army to face the ruthless 'Black and Tan' squads that are being shipped from Britain to block Ireland's bid for freedom.

BLACK T-SHIRT LOGO PRINTED ON FRONT 100% COTTON

• 1916 Proclamation
• Soldiers Song (Short Version)
• The Mother (Padraig Pearse)
• Soldiers Song (English - long version)
• The Rebel (Padraig Pearse)
• Amhrainn Na Bfhiann (Irish Proclamation)
• To My Mother (Padraig Pearse)

They were volunteers of the Irish republican Army and column numbers varied for each attack. They were used as an effective weapon ambushing the enemy and disappearing back into the local landscape or civilian population.

Here a Flying Column observe as lorries carrying Black and Tans leave a small town after setting fire to its main businesses. You can see the light of the burning village over the hills and as the lorries approach the Flying Column you get the feeling that things are going to heat up very soon.

This is a beautifully atmospheric fine art print.

Irish History ready to frame!

This item is new and comes posted in a protective postal tube.

Matt Poster.

Dimensions 16.5"w x 23.3"h.

Heavy stock paper (250gm)

Disc 1
1. The Foggy Dew - Frances Black
2. God Save Ireland - Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly
3. Grace - Jim McCann
4. A Soldiers Song - Derek Warfield
5. My Last Farewell - Barleycorn
6. Galtee Mountain Boy - Paddy Reilly
7. Bold Robert Emmet - Patsy Watchorn
8. Sackville Street Lament - Finbar Furey
9. Ballad of James Connolly (Poem & Song) - Derek Warfield/PeterRafter
10. Nora - Ronnie Drew
11. The Boys of Kilmichael -Derek Warfield
12. The Wests Awake - Johnny McEvoy
13. A Nation Once Again - Paddy Reilly
14. The Boys of Barr na Sraide - Niamh Parsons
15. Kelly The Boy From Killane - Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly
16. The Fields of Athenry - Paddy Reilly

Disc 2
1. Only Our Rivers Run Free - Tommy Fleming
2. Kevin Barry - Peter Rafter
3. Tri Coloured Ribbon - Derek Warfield
4. Meet me at the Pillar - Patsy Watchorn
5. Four Green Fields - Paddy Reilly
6. Boulavogue - Johnny McEvoy
7. The Rising of The Moon - Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly
8. James Connolly - The Black Family
9. The Sea Around Us - Patsy Watchorn
10. Come Out Ye Black And Tans - Paddy Reilly
11. Banna Strand - Derek Warfield
12. The Rebel - Ronnie Drew
13. The Patriot Game - Derek Warfield
14. Michael (Ballad of Michael Collins) - Johnny McEvoy
15. Avondale - Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly
16. Rebellion Medley (Wrap The Green Flag Around Me/The West's Awake/A Nation Once Again) - Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew

Very Rare Archival Photo

10 x 8-inch High quality photo printed on Fuji film Crystal Archive paper.

Framed and mounted behind glass.

Black wood frame.

Inscription reads: IRA Flying Column

Please note that the copyright watermark will not be on the photo we send you.

10 x 8-inch High quality photo printed on Fuji film Crystal Archive paper.

Framed and mounted behind glass. Black wood frame.

Inscription reads: Vol. Bobby Sands R.I.P 1981

Please note that the copyright watermark will not be on the photo we send you.

Tá Gráin Agam Ar Thatcher Fós - I Still Hate Thatcher.

Green T-Shirt

The name “Fenian Bastard” is a term of abuse much favoured by the British security forces when addressing Irish republicans. Unfortunately, for them, they do not seem to be aware that Irish republicans are proud of their Fenian roots.

Just the sort of paradox that Cormac enjoys!