Belfast’s ‘Battle of St Matthew’s’ remembered

THE 44th anniversary of ‘The Battle of St Matthew’s’ was marked in east Belfast on Friday 27 June when republican activists, former political prisoners and the families of the Short Strand’s patriot dead gathered at the area’s republican memorial, An Tine Bheo.

Holy Cross priest Fr Gary Donegan rededicated of the memorial in a ceremony chaired by Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, who said:

“This is a time to remember our patriot dead, a time when we seek to understand the past and continue the work of building a better future for all. We do so with ‘An Tine Bheo – The Living Flame’ instilled in us by the sacrifice of the people we honour at this monument inspiring us.”

The Battle of St Matthew’s, on 27 June 1970, saw a rearmed and reorganised IRA defend the Short Strand against attacks by loyalist mobs, the RUC and British Army.

“This small community remains an example to republicans all over the country,” declared Ó Donnghaile.

While acknowledging that “we live in changed times”, Ó Donnghaile said it was “the spirit of resilience and activism borne out of decades of resistance” that underpinned his re-election in last month’s local elections.

“We have come a long way together and with the memory of our local heroes and An Tine Bheo burning brightly we will continue to build an Ireland of Equals.”

•  Fr Gary Donegan with Niall Ó Donnghaile at the Tine Bheo memorial

•  An Tiine Bheo republican memorial

•  Fr Gary Donegan with Niall Ó Donnghaile at the Tine Bheo memorial

• A section of the crowd

• An Tiine Bheo republican memorial

• A section of the crowd

• Ella Fitzsimmons, sister of Volunteer Joey Fitzsimmons, lays flowers at the memorial

• Christy Keenan

• Fr Gary Donegan with Niall Ó Donnghaile at the St Matthew’s Memorial Stone

• The St Matthew’s Memorial Stone