Newry wreath-laying honours Óglach Patrick McKeown

Patrick had been a committed Volunteer for many years

NEWRY REPUBLICANS gathered at the Republican Plot in St Mary’s Cemetery on Tuesday 28 August to lay a wreath in remembrance of Volunteer Patrick McKeown.

The event was organised by members and friends of Newry’s Gerry Marks/Patrick McKeown Sinn Féin Cumann.

Councillor Charlie Casey said:

“38 years ago this week, Óglach Patrick McKeown was killed when a premature bomb exploded at a house in Barcroft Park.  Patrick, who had been a committed Volunteer for many years, took the full force of the blast and was killed instantly.

“This evening, members of the Sinn Féin cumann which is named in his honour gather here to remember and commemorate his life and contribution to the republican struggle until his death in 1974.”

Newry MLA Mickey Brady added:

“It is important for us to remember Patsy McKeown as a Volunteer but also as a real human being who loved his wife and family of four, was a brilliant dancer and a hard worker in his chosen profession of nursing.

“This evening his family are in our thoughts.”