Fianna martyr honoured

Jimmy Dempsey (left) with members of his family before setting off on parade to remember his son Fian John Dempsey

Fian John Dempsey who was shot dead by British forces on 8 July 1981, the day that Hunger Striker Joe McDonnell died, was commemorated in a march and Gaelic sports day last Sunday 3 August.
The march, led by John’s family, made its way from Divis Drive in West Belfast, where the 16 year old lost his life, to Gort na Móna GAC. At Pairc Mhic Ionnairtaigh – named after Gort player Terry Óg Enright who was shot dead by loyalists in 1998 – under 10 football teams from Gort na Mona, St Teresa’s, O’Donovan Rossa and Lámh Dearg played a series of matches. As well as the footballers, the under 12 Camogie teams from the host club, Ardoyne Kickhams, St Paul’s  and O’Donovan Rossa also displayed their skills.
Speaking to An Phoblacht, John Bradley and Chris Moran of the Turf Lodge Commemoration Committee congratulated the young sportspeople who “through their efforts, skill and sporting attitude made sure that Fian John Dempsey was remembered in a way that reflected his commitment to justice and peace”.