Charlie Ferris

The death of 89-year-old Tyrone republican Charlie Ferris in the early hours of Sunday 9 October has marked the end of an era and has brought pain to the many people who had the privilege of knowing him. Charlie passed away peacefully at his home in his beloved Glenhordial.

Married to Elizabeth, he had a family of 12, seven boys and five girls. His passing has left a huge void in their lives.

Charlie was born in the townland of Mullaghmore, Killyclogher in 1916. It was a source of great pride to Charlie that he came into the world in the year of the Easter Rising.

As well as being a committed family man, Charlie was dedicated to the struggle for freedom and justice in Ireland. He joined the ranks of the IRA in 1936 and saw action in every decade including the border campaign of 1956-'62, the Civil Rights' Campaign and the Hunger Strike marches of 1981. Charlie was a comrade and close friend of Greencastle republican Frank Morris and of Owen McNamee who was IRA Chief of Staff during the 1940's. On his bicycle, Charlie travelled the country organising meetings and drilling sessions.

In the 1980s Charlie was a familiar figure at Hunger Strike marches, rallies and vigils. He was among the protestors who were attacked by riot clad Gardaí defending the British Embassy in Dublin.

Charlie's home was raided many times over the years. His brother Joe served time for republican activity in the 1950s and his son Paul served time in the 1980s.

Every year on Easter Sunday, Charlie laid a wreath on behalf of his comrades in the Old IRA. Given his lifetime commitment, it was fitting that he unveiled a plaque in honour of Gerard and Martin Harte at their family home in Striff, Loughmacrory in August last year to mark their anniversary. His most recent public engagement was the dedication of a new flagpole in Mullaghmore, Killyclogher. On that occasion Charlie raised the national flag and was assisted by his friend, Barney McAleer who passed away in September, exactly one month before Charlie.

Charlie was also a man who cherished Irish music, culture and oral tradition. He was a skilled flautist who played his flute every day, right up until the evening before he died.

Charlie was one of the founders of the Martin Hurson Memorial Band and taught its members how to play the flute and march. Charlie and Elizabeth travelled to the United States with the band on tour in 1990, visiting New York, Philadelphia and Trenton.

Charlie's funeral was very moving. His Tricolour-draped coffin was led by a lone piper from the Martin Hurson Memorial Band and accompanied by a Guard of Honour as it wound its way from the Old School to the Chapel accompanied by hundreds of mourners. Killyclogher Sinn Féin Councillor Declan McAleer chaired the graveside proceedings and the oration was delivered by West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, who spoke of Charlie being a republican 'from the cradle to the grave' and an inspiration to us all.

Charlie will be sorely missed by all who knew him, particularly his family. Charlie was unique and irreplaceable and there is no doubt that he is now resting peacefully amongst the patriots and saints of Ireland. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam.

By Cllr Declan McAleer

• Charlie's month mind will be on Saturday 3 December at 8.30pm in St Mary's Church, Killyclogher.