Derry memorial unveiling

This Sunday will see the completion of the project undertaken by the Derry Republican Graves Association to mark the places where IRA Volunteers, on the Roll of Honour, died in Derry.

The project commenced on 28 May 2001 when a plaque was placed at the bottom of Southway, where George McBrearty and Charles Maguire were killed by British undercover soldiers, and since then another 15 plaques have been erected.

Commenting on the project, a spokeperson for the DRGA said:

"A number of years ago the Association decided in consultation with the families to mark the spots where their loved ones died. We came up with the idea of a small plaque, which was placed as close to the place where the Volunteers died.

"From the outset, the Association knew that some Volunteers could not be honoured in this way. This was due to a number of factors, which we discussed with the families and as a result a stone bearing the names of the other 18 Volunteers will be dedicated this Sunday.

"Again in consultation with the families the stone will be placed beside the Hunger Strike monument on Rossville Street. We are grateful to 1981 Committee who already maintain the monument for their co-operation and support."

The spokesperson stated that the Association and the families would like to thank everyone who has in any way contributed to the project.

The spokesperson concluded:

"The next phase of our work will be the refurbishment of the graves which are not in the Plot in the City Cemetry. We have been encouraged by the response of the families to the first phase, which entailed the removal and sandblasting of the Celtic Crosses and the work on site on Cúhulainn. Our work is in dedication to those Volunteers who died in the course of the struggle and the support of their families and friends."

This Sunday's unveiling will take place at the Hunger Strike Monument on Rossville Street at 3pm.