Poignant 30th anniversary commemoration for Sligo Volunteer

On a bright sunny morning in Sooey, County Sligo, the 30th anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Kevin Coen was remembered last month. The largest republican commemoration in the county in recent years attracted people from Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and from as far afield as America and Australia. A further indication of the growth of Sinn Féin in recent years was the large number of public representatives in attendance.

The ceremony, organised by the Coen/MacManus Memorial Committee, was chaired by Alan Sayers, who spoke eloquently of Kevin Coen's courageous decision to resist British repression in the Six Counties.

Living in Sligo, he could easily have ignored events in the Six Counties, but chose instead to try to change the political situation there. Although this young man was to tragically lose his life during a battle with the British Army in County Fermanagh, Sayers emphasised that Coen's legacy is a living one, as people continue to be inspired by his vision of an Ireland of equals free from a malign foreign influence.

Sayers welcomed members of the Coen family and members of the family of Volunteer Martin Savage, from Ballisodare, County Sligo, the first Volunteer to die in the Tan War. He also made reference to the cross-party presence at the commemoration, which, he said, would help ensure a broader appreciation of Kevin Coen's sacrifice.

The main oration was delivered by Donegal Councillor Pearse Doherty, who reflected on the momentous changes that have occurred in the political landscape in the recent past.

He encouraged all present to involve themselves in politics. "A United Ireland is not simply an aspiration, it is a real and live and advancing political project," he insisted.