9 October 1997 Edition

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Pat Beag remembered

150 Belfast republicans attended a commemoration for Sinn Féin councillor Pat Beag McGeown who died last year.

McGeown, who spent 47 days on hunger strike during the 1981 hunger strike in Long Kesh and never fully regained his health, was buried in the republican plot at Milltown cemetery and it was there that Sunday's commemoration was held.

Veteran Sinn Fein councillor from North Belfast Paddy McManus, carrying the national flag, headed the republicans as they marched from the gates of Milltown to McGeown's graveside.

Marie Moore, a close friend of Pat Beag and colleague on Belfast City Council, chaired the proceedings and spoke for everyone when she talked of the heartbreak she felt when Pat died.

Michael Browne, another of Sinn Fein's Belfast council representatives, delivered the main oration. Browne, who worked with Pat Beag in the Prisoner of War Department, recounted the fond memories of Pat which were shared by those who worked with him.

Browne commended Pat for his ``courage and his vision.'' He said, ``To Sinn Fein Pat was an asset in every sense. The most fitting tribute we could pay Pat is to continue the work which he wasn't able to complete himself, to ensure that this struggle is completed to the advantage of republicans in the way Pat McGeown would have wished''.

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