25 September 2003 Edition

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Anthony Braniff - IRA Statement

The IRA has released the following statement to An Phoblacht this week:

"Following requests from the family of Anthony Braniff, the IRA has conducted a lengthy investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

On 27 September 1981, Anthony Braniff, a Volunteer in the IRA, was executed in Belfast.

Our investigation has found no evidence to support the claims made at the time that Anthony Braniff "was responsible for passing information concerning the location of arms dumps and the movement of Volunteers" and that "he met his Special Branch contacts regularly... while receiving, in return, sums of money".

Our investigation has established the following:

· During a period of interrogation in Castlereagh, Anthony Braniff agreed to work for Special Branch.

· Upon release he reported what he had done to the IRA.

· He was charged with a breach of General Army Orders and court martialled.

· He pleaded guilty to the charge.

· He was sentenced to death.

· No appeal was lodged against the sentence.

· The IRA accepts that proper procedure was not adhered to in relation to the process of appeal."

An Phoblacht has also received the following statement from the Braniff family in Belfast:

"We, the Braniff family, welcome this latest statement clearing our son and brother, Anthony Braniff, of being an informer.

It has been 22 long and heartbreaking years that have finally reached closure.

The people who would have known Anthony are in no doubt of his innocence and honesty.

As stated by the IRA, Anthony, upon his release from Castlereagh, reported to them what he had done.

There is no doubt whatsoever in our minds that Anthony would have ever actually worked for the RUC.

We would like to say a few things about the kind of person Anthony was.

Anthony was 22 years of age. He was married with three beautiful children, Jolene, Anthony and Marylou. He was a devoted father. He was a great worker and a very loving, caring son and brother.

He would have gone to any lengths to try and help anyone if he could.

He was a great sportsman and a wonderful singer and had a great sense of humour.

On behalf of the entire Braniff family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Republican Movement and the present day leadership.

We would like to close now with thoughts of Anthony Braniff, who died tragically on 27 September 1981, aged 22."


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland