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Outside the temperature might have been hitting minus 4 at Silverbridge, but inside Silverbridge Harps the warmth of the gathering to mark the 50th Anniversary of the shooting of the three Reavey brothers at was palpable.
It was hard to put a finger on it but there was something very special about the event held on Friday night, 9 January. It did seem there wasn't a light left on in the entire countryside, with nearly 1000 in attendance.
Perhaps it was that despite the massive turnout, it felt that everyone knew everyone else. Perhaps it was the obvious support and empathy for the Reavey family that has stood the test of time, or perhaps it was just because it was such a well organised event. Regardless, those who attended will remember it for years to come.
Organised by up and coming young Director John Reavey a nephew of those killed, the night paid tribute to the 1976 generation of the Reavey family including not just John-Martin, Brian and Anthony who were so horrifically murdered, but also the rest of the family who have had to live with the aftermath. The event was hosted by Michael O'Hare, a brother of Majella O'Hare, 12 who was shot dead the same year in Loughgilly parish also.
An emotional Seamus Reavey spoke about his brothers and the night of 4 January 1976 when they were shot dead in their homes at Greyhilla, Whitecross. Listening to his recollections of the night was difficult but necessary, a tale from a time that has past but one that still remains present in so many peoples lives. When Seamus finished speaking, the entire gathering stood up and gave him a standing ovation.
event. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
The Reavey Brothers, a short film directed and written by John Reavey was then shown followed by a Q&A session with some of the cast that included Dylan Llewellyn (Derry Girls and Big Boys), Kevin Nugent (Curers, Speak of the Devil), Niall McNamee (The Foreigner, Love Without Walls) and Geraldine McAlinden (Verdigris, The Last Rifleman).
As the night went on it became less about the past and it was time to shine for the next generation of the wider Reavey family bringing their incredible dancing and musical talent to the stage.
Erin and Connor Reavey sang The Reavey Brothers song written by Annie O'Dowd. Irish dancers Aine Malone, Anna McKeown, Hannah Lily Magennis and Éabha O'Hagan took to the stage before local band Raglan concluded what was a night to remember.
To do the story justice the ultimate aim for Director John Reavey is to produce a full length feature film about the brothers, where he can include more stories and gain an even wider audience. The script is nearly ready to go and currently the search is on for a financial backer.
