29 July, 2004

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Thousands mourn as Cahill is laid to rest

It might seem strange to say in the context of a funeral, but last Tuesday in Belfast was a great day to be a republican. It is not often that a world famous freedom fighter is laid to rest, so it was understandably a day of pride for the many thousands who gathered to pay their respects to Joe Cahill.

Joe Cahill: A lifetime in struggle

How do you write about Joe Cahill? What words do justice to a man whose lifetime of struggle mapped the turbulent history of the island where he was born? He has already been described as an icon, a colossus of the struggle, a stalwart of republicanism and as a republican veteran, an epithet with which Joe himself was never completely comfortable.

Photo: Joe Cahill at the funeral of Eamonn Mac Thomáis

A giant among giants

"It's more than just a funeral. It's akin to burying a Fenian Chieftain. He made things happen that might never have happened."

Photo: The Cahill family say their final farewell at the graveside

Joe and Annie - Married in struggle

Danny Morrison this week recalled his memories of good times with Joe and Annie Cahill. This is an extract of that article.

Photo: Annie and Joe at Bodenstown

My Uncle Joe - By Mairia Cahill

Lifelong republican, committed to struggle, IRA leader, supporter of the Peace Process, Honourary Vice President of Sinn Féin. I have heard Joe Cahill quoted as being all of the above, and he was, but most importantly to me, he was 'Uncle Joe', and I loved him. I found him to be witty, strong, yet gentle, grumpy yet hilarious, and he was loving.

Photo: Joe and Annie with their six daughters

In his own words

Last August, An Phoblacht's JOANNE CORCORAN interviewed Joe Cahill, lifelong republican and honorary vice-president of Sinn Féin, in his sitting room in Belfast, enjoying the warm hospitality of himself and his wife Annie.

Photo: Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness carry Joe Cahill's coffin

Irish America honours Joe Cahill in New York

As the Republican Movement was being reorganised after the split in 1969, one of the first actions of the leadership was to entrust Joe Cahill with the task of mobilising Irish republicans in the United States.

Photo: Paul Doris of Irish Northern Aid offers sympathy to Annie Cahill