Keenan to attend Ballymurphy unveiling

Former republican prisoners from the Upper Springfield area in West Belfast are calling on the community to attend the opening of the new Ballymurphy Commemoration Garden on 27 November.

Local republican Brian Keenan, who served up to 18 years in British prisons, will carry out the unveiling of the garden which was built through the voluntary contributions of many republicans from the Greater Ballymurphy area.

Co-rdinator Seány Adams said: "We are deeply honoured that Brian will be available to open the garden. Being from the area, he will know all the people commemorated, which makes this all the more special for the ex-prisoners of the Upper Springfield area."

According to Seán Osborne, one of the people behind the ambitious scheme many people have worked long and hard on this project, over many weeks, months, and years. "The fruits of our labour are starting to take shape as this magnificent garden nears completion. It is a beautiful place where people can go to reflect on the past, and say a silent prayer for the people commemorated there.

"The landscaping surrounding the garden is now complete, and we are currently installing the marble. Once again we extend our sincere gratitude to all the people who have made this fitting tribute possible, the funders, the workers, but most of all we thank the community. We have had tremendous support for this project, by way of ideas, encouragement, and people rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in."

The day's event will start with a special Mass in Corpus Christi Chapel at 11.30am. The main parade will assemble at Teach na Mona (Trinity Lodge) for a 2pm departure to the Memorial Garden.