Volunteer Mick Murray remembered

On Sunday 13 March, family, friends and fellow comrades gathered to pay their tributes to Mick Murray at his last resting place close to the little village of Clonmellon in County Westmeath.

Mick dedicated his life to the cause of Irish freedom and many of his friends blame his untimely death at the age of 63 years on his long incarceration in British jails, which undoubtedly took its toll.

After Mick returned home, not unlike many other comrades, he continued to unselfishly give his support and commitment to the struggle. He continued to play his part despite a continuing deterioration in his health. For many of those years he distributed this very paper.

Mick spent the greater part of his life in Donnycarney and in recognition of his contribution to the republican struggle, the Sinn Féin Cumann in Dublin North Central proudly carries his name.

Sunday's commemoration was led by a full colour party and piper. Peter Lawlor, Sinn Féin's local election candidate in the Clontarf Ward, gave a speech at the graveside where he paid tribute to Mick's lifelong republican activism.

He also congratulated local republicans on the work they put in for Joe Reilly in Meath.

He called on all republicans to redouble their efforts, as Mick would have, for the upcoming Údarás na Gaeltachta and especially the local and Westminster elections, as our enemies continue to attack us through an acquiescent media.

"We should also fight back by countering the lies, and propaganda of the southern media by promoting our own message through An Phoblacht, our local newsletters, and any other media that will listen," he said.