Death of Volunteer Francie Caraher

South Armagh Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann was dealt a severe blow when news broke of the death of their comrade and friend Volunteer Francie Caraher on 17 July 2005.

Francie was born on the 17 June 1932. His father John was a member of the 4th Northern Division of the IRA. The Carahers' door was always open to republicans, a tradition that Francie proudly carried on.

At the age of 18 years Francie contracted polio, which left him partially disabled. Many is the man who would have let this disability dominate his life, but Francie was a fighter and it was only a matter of time before he followed his father's footsteps and joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

When the true story of South Armagh's struggle for Irish freedom is finally told Francie Caraher's name will be heard. He played a full and varied role in the IRA and was also a founding member of the Barney Morris Sinn Féin Cumann in Crossmaglen. He had particular sympathy for prisoners and their families and the Green Cross Committee. The families of prisoners will remember Francie as a friend who took them to their loved ones in jails throughout the country.

Francie was to the fore of the Hunger Strike Committee in the early 1980s and was devastated at the death of his ten comrades. But like a lot of republicans Francie was inspired by the strength and determination of these men.

He was involved in elections right up to the Westminster and local government elections of May this year when he actually left his hospital bed to cast his vote for Sinn Féin. It was typical of Francie.

He was deeply religious and a devoted husband and father. However, he still found time to follow Crossmaglen Rangers and Armagh's fortunes on the football field.

Francie's death was sorely felt by all who knew him. The large crowd which attended both his wake and funeral was drawn from every part of the country. His comrades from the Republican Movement provided a fitting tribute in the form of a colour party and the pipers Donal and Paddy.

Conor Murphy, Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh gave a very moving oration for Francie Caraher. He spoke of his lifelong love for all things Irish, his dogged determination and his role as an Irish Republican Army Volunteer.

The Republican Movement in South Armagh extends deepest sympathy to Francie's wife, sons, daughter, brothers, sisters, son-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family circle. We have lost someone special.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis, cróga, misniúil.