IRA Volunteer Peadar McElvanna 29th Anniversary

Cathal Boylan MLA, Chairperson of Cuige Uladh Sean Murray and Councillor Darren McNally

REPUBLICANS from across South Armagh and counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan joined with the people of Keady on Friday night past to commemorate the 29th Anniversary of the death of Óglach Peadar McElvanna.
The local McVerry/ McElvanna Sinn Féin Cumann have held an annual parade for the past three years to remember Michael McVerry and Peadar McElvanna, twoyoung Irishmen who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom in the town of Keady. A large crowd of towns people turned out to march behind the colourful banners carried by the large number of Sinn Féin cumainn present and the bands from Cullyhanna, Crossmaglen and Camloch.
Keady Sinn Féin Councillor Darren McNally was master of ceremonies for the evening.
The main speaker was Chairperson of Sinn Féin’s Cuige Uladh, Sean Murray. His speech to the crowd of several hundred placed the sacrifices of Michael McVerry and Peadar McElvanna in their political context. He urged republicans and nationalists to remain watchful in the current political climate which has seen DUP intransigence threaten to unravel the hard won progress achieved by Sinn Féin.
The evening’s events concluded with a function in the impressive Caledonian bar and restaurant attended by a large crowd who were entertained by Black Diamond.
Chair of the McVerry McElvanna Cumman Brendan McNally praised all those who had contributed to the event, in particular Sean Murray.
“On this the 29th anniversary of Peadar death I am very proud of the efforts of my comrades in the McVerry/McElvanna Cumann who have worked hard to make this event so successful.
“I would also like to thank the people of Keady for their continued commitment to the memory of our patriot dead. I was delighted to be able to welcome a senior republican of Sean Murray’s standing to Keady and in his speech he eloquently outlined the challenges that continue to face us as we progress towards the inevitable re-unification of the island of Ireland.
“To our comrades from South Armagh, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan I extend the thanks of the cumann and look forward to welcoming you all back in larger numbers for next years 30th Anniversary”, McNally said.