7 January 1999 Edition
Former POW beaten to death
1,500 people turned out on Saturday morning 2 January for the funeral of Peter McCallion, a former blanketman who was killed when he was attacked by a gang outside a Chinese restaurant on Derry's Racecourse Road on New Year's Eve.
40 year old Mr McCallion, who was on the blanket protest in the H Blocks, was given a republican funeral with his coffin draped by the national flag.
Former POWs, wearing green ribbons, flanked the coffin in a guard of honour as it made its way to Derry City cemetery.
During the New Year's Eve incident father of four Mr McCallion and his brother-in-law were set upon by a gang of up to ten youths. Mr McCallion fell to the ground unconscious and was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he died.
A 17 year old youth, Peter Quigley, who handed himself over to the RUC, was later charged with murdering Mr McCallion.
Paddy O'Carroll, who spent time in the H Blocks with Peter McCallion, delivered the graveside oration.
40 year old Mr McCallion, who was on the blanket protest in the H Blocks, was given a republican funeral with his coffin draped by the national flag.
Former POWs, wearing green ribbons, flanked the coffin in a guard of honour as it made its way to Derry City cemetery.
During the New Year's Eve incident father of four Mr McCallion and his brother-in-law were set upon by a gang of up to ten youths. Mr McCallion fell to the ground unconscious and was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he died.
A 17 year old youth, Peter Quigley, who handed himself over to the RUC, was later charged with murdering Mr McCallion.
Paddy O'Carroll, who spent time in the H Blocks with Peter McCallion, delivered the graveside oration.