Write a commentThe annual South Armagh Óglaigh na hÉireann Commemoration took place on Sunday past at Memorial Garden beside Tí Chulainn in Mullaghbawn. South Armagh Councillor Terry Hearty chaired the proceedings.
In what was a poignant and reflective day for many, MLA Conor Murphy told those present,
“Whilst we remember these friends and comrades with pride as patriots, revolutionaries and visionaries, we must never forget that their families here among us still suffer the pain of their loss”
“Much pain and hurt has been caused over the years to many people. We must attempt to heal that pain, to recognise each other’s loss and to find ways to trust each other. We must build bridges that we can cross. We must rid our society of sectarianism.We must choose to live together”.""
Mr Murphy continued "So instead of refighting the battles of the past, we all, Unionists & Nationalists need to have the humility to accept that we have conflicting narratives, conflicting histories & conflicting allegiances.
We must create a future where everyone feels they belong. Where our culture and identity is respected. Where we recognise each other’s rights to express being Irish, British both or neither”.
Speaking about the current issue of Brexit the MLA said, “I have absolutely no doubt that there are many within the unionist community who look at Brexit with the same fear and trepidation as everyone else”,
On the subject of a Unity Referendum, Mr Murphy told the large gathering “A Unity Referendum is coming and we need to be prepared for it.
"There is no contradiction in declaring and delivering on our firm commitment to power sharing with unionism in the six counties while also initiating a mature and inclusive debate about new political arrangements which better serve all of us who share this island in the future."
Concluding the Newry & Armagh MLA said “We want to ensure that no one else suffers as a result of conflict, that no other family is bereaved, that the political conditions of discrimination and inequality are fundamentally changed, that everybody belongs and nobody feels alienated from their own country and that the experience of war and of loss and injury is never repeated.
"This does not mean we forget our past.
"It means that we address the causes and the aftermath of conflict and division in a mature, sensitive and political manner as a society”.
