Notices

James Shiels

James Shiels of Moross in the Fanad peninsula was laid to rest in the family plot in Massmount Cemetery on Friday. The colourful ceremony was a fitting tribute to the life and times of a Donegal man who devoted all the 87 years of his life to the cause of a united Ireland.

The coffin, draped in the Tricolour, was carried from the family home by mourners and accompanied by a large crowd.

James was a leading figure in the republican family and the Shiels home on the shores of Mulroy was noted down the decades for offering shelter and support to many of those 'on the run'.

During the conflict in the North, the family home was a regular stopping off point for state forces in search of data and other relevant details. But James was an out and out republican all his life, and he never compromised his principles for anyone.

He was a legendary figure for a couple of generations and he drove the bread van on 'The Model Bakery' run from Letterkenny to Fanad Head. He'd stop off at many a house in many out of the way spots to sell a loaf of bread or a box of pastries and he rarely got home before midnight.

He was a raconteur: great company and a great source of knowledge and information. And of course he was on first name terms with the Sinn Féin leadership and would often be seen giving them advice as to how progress towards a united Ireland might be achieved.

One of his greatest memories was being the first man to drive over the new Knockalla Coast Road when it was finished and he often would recount that particular and very special occasion.

James is survived by his sister Bernadette in Moross: Mary in Meath and his brother Neil, also in Meath, along with a large circle of family relations and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

The graveside oration was delivered by the Sinn Féin Vice President, Pat Doherty, who spoke of the role played by James as being a vital component in their quest for Irish unity. Pat said he was proud to have known James and his family connection.

"His contribution was that of a Fenian who devoted time and energy to a cause that he held very dearly to his heart. He was a leading Sinn Féin activist all his life and his loss will be felt severely within the local organisation," said Doherty.

A lone piper and a guard of honour accompanied the cortege along the shores of Mulroy Bay for the Requiem Mass in the local church at Massmount and leading republican figures from across Donegal and many parts of the Six Counties also attended.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.

I nDíl Chuimhne

Apr. 25th 1979: Vol Billy Carson, Belfast Brigade, 2nd Battalion; Apr. 26th 1986: Vol Seamus McElwain, South Fermanagh Brigade; May 1st 1993|: Alan Lundy, Sinn Féin; May 2nd 1987: Vol Finbarr McKenna, Belfast Brigade, 2nd Battalion. "We aimed at uniting all Irish men in a natural and national bond of cohesion based on mutual self-respect." - Roger Casement. Always remembered with love and pride by their many friends and comrades in the Republican Movement.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). Proud and cherished memories of my dear brother Volunteer Finbarr McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who gave his life for Irish freedom 2 May 1987. RIP. You lived your life as a revolutionary and you gave your life as one. So rest in peace Finn for your spirit and dedication to the struggle for Irish freedom will remain. Loved and missed always by his loving sister Roisín.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). In loving memory of my dear brother Volunteer Finbarr McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who died on active service 2 May 1987. RIP. St Gerard pray for him. We remember you Finbarr as a brother, a friend and our thoughts are held strong of you as a soldier who fought for Irish freedom and although our hearts are full of pride we will never forget you or the cause for which you died. Always remembered by his sister Nuala and niece Mairéad.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). In loving memory of my dear brother Volunteer Finbarr McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who died on active service 2 May 1987. Will those who think of him today a little prayer to Jesus say. Proudly remembered by his brother Eugene and family.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). In loving memory of my dear brother Volunteer Finbarr McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who died on active service 2 May 1987. Be proud of them our martyred dead and in their footsteps let us tread, they died for us that we might see Ireland Gaelic and free. Proudly remembered by his sister Mary and niece Orláith.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). Proud and loving memories of my dear brother Volunteer Finbarr McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who died for the freedom of Ireland 2 May 1987. RIP. The fools the fools the fools they have left us our Fenian dead, but while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace. Remembered always by his brother Paul, sister-in-law Jean and nieces Sinéad and Aisling.

McKENNA, Finbarr (17th Ann). In proud and loving memory of Volunteer Finbar McKenna, 'C' Com, Belfast Brigade, Oglaigh Na hÉireann who died on active service 2 May 1987. Those we love don't walk away they walk beside us everyday. Always loved and remembered by Eleanor.

O'CALLAGHAN, Gerard (17th Ann). In proud and loving memory of Gerard and all his comrades who were murdered at Loughgall by the SAS. Never forgotten by Packy, Patrick and Seán.

ROSSINI, Willie (11th Ann). In proud and loving memory of my father who's anniversary occurs at this time. Always remembered by Alison, Steff Fleming and family, Glasgow.

ROSSINI, Willie (11th Ann). In proud and loving memory of Willie Rossini who died 28 April 1993. Always remembered and never forgotten by the Rossini and Fleming families, Glasgow.

ROSSINI, Willie (11th Ann). In proud and loving memory of Willie Rossini who died 28 April 1993. Always remembered and never forgotten by Johnny, Carol Cryans and family, Glasgow.

ROSSINI, Willie (11th Ann). In proud and loving memory of Willie Rossini who died 28 April 1993. Always in our thoughts. Remembered by Paul, Deirdre Crawford and family.

RossinI, Willie (11th Ann). In memory of Willie RIP. Always remembered and always in our thoughts, St Anne pray for him. Mass offered. A true friend of Ireland. Never forgotten by Danny and Josie O'Neill and family.

Comhbhrón

DUNNE. Sincere sympathy is extended to Eileen and all the Dunne family on the death of Patrick (Joe). From Cabra SF; From Nicky Kehoe; From Lorraine and Ed; From Tony and Ita; From Linda and Ronnie.

Beannachtaí

CONGRATULATIONS to the Colombia 3. From Mary McLaughlin and family, Buncrana, County Donegal.

Buíochas

THE Management Committee of Amach agus Isteach (Republican Ex-Prisoners) Ardeoin and Ligoniel, would like to thank all our comrades who marched on Easter Tuesday commemorating all those who died as a result of the conflict. It was also a credit to witness the dignified manner in which the Commemoration Committee honoured the deceased from Ardoyne, The Bone and Ligoniel. Again thank you and we hope you accept this letter as a token of our appreciation. Stephen Mailey, Cathaoirleach. Máirtín Óg Meehan, Rúnaí.