Write a commentA recent unveiling of a plaque at Derrybeg in memory of fallen IRA volunteer Brendan Watters was attended by over 100 people.
The plaque was unveiled on a wall outside the house where Brendan lived before he was tragically killed 31 years ago.
Newry councillor Charlie Casey chaired the event while local republican Jim Mc Givern gave an overview of Brendan's early life and the run up to his death. Another local activist John Stewart, who was involved in Cindy's funeral on the day, had the honour of unveiling the plaque.
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady addressed the near 100 strong crowd with some closing remarks.
“Go raibh maith agaith to everyone who came tonight to show their continuing support and to remember the sacrifice that Óglach Brendan Watters and his comrades made in the fight for Irish freedom.
I would like to commend the local Sinn Féin cumann “The Derrybeg Martyrs” for again letting the local community and more importantly the family of Brendan know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Derrybeg was and still is renowned for its republican history. In it stands two fitting monuments for our fallen dead which take pride of place in this estate. The other volunteers who lived and died here are proudly remembered year in and year out, that will never change. The stories of these young men and their families are told here during the walking tours that take place around Easter time and this stone plaque is another piece in that jigsaw which is our history. The local cumann have plans in place to enhance the republican history in Derrybeg which will ensure that our young people grow up knowing that Derrybeg and its people played a central role in Ireland’s Struggle.
We now have a permanent granite stone to let people, especially our young people know that Brendan was an ordinary lad who lived in extraordinary times but was not willing to lie down and watch our people being oppressed. He took the courageous step and joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann here in Newry and brought the fight to the oppressor.
Brendan’s story is unique and everyone who knew Brendan would be able to tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing on that tragic August night when he lost his young life.
Brendan was a hugely popular lad and the huge numbers who came here to this very house to pay their respects and then attended his funeral is a testament to that fact.
Even in death the enemy feared Brendan and his comrades and the cowardly attack by the RUC on the funeral was proof of that if proof were needed.
So as we leave this spot tonight let us all remember Brendan, his family and his comrades who lost a brave soldier of Ireland. Let us all redouble our efforts to ensure that we get that New Ireland that Brendan craved so much for.”
Also present were Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy and Councillor Valerie Harte.
