Óglach Seamus McElwain

Knockatallon, County Monaghan

A soldier’s salute: IRA Volunteers fire a volley over the coffin of their comrade Seamus McElwain

A LARGE CROWD of republicans gathered in Knockatallon, County Monaghan, on Saturday evening, 23rd April, to remember “one of Ireland’s most fearless and dedicated soldiers”, Óglach Seamus McElwain on the 25th anniversary of his execution by the British Army’s SAS.
The commemoration was led by a republican colour party and there were two bands present, the Burns and Moley RFB from Crossmaglen and the St Patrick’s Youth Band, Cullyhanna.
When the commemoration reached the monument dedicated to Seamus, Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McKenna chaired the event and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement, Sinn Féin and on behalf of the McElwain family by Seamus’s brother, Seán.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly delivered the main oration and he spoke of the great admiration he had for Seamus, and how he was known across Ireland as a gallant soldier who struck fear into the crown forces, being “the Francis Hughes of his day”.
He recalled him and Seamus escaping alongside 36 other republican prisoners from Long Kesh and said that Seamus’s ingenuity and bravery during the 1983 Great Escape from the H-Blocks demonstrated his great leadership qualities.
Following the commemoration, a book dedicated to Seamus was launched by his close friend, Councillor Pat Treanor, in a local hotel. There was also an updated exhibition on display and the event was brought to a close with an Irish night with music provided by Paddywagon.
Speaking about the commemoration, Seán Lynch, who was on active service with Seamus when they were ambushed, said:
“Óglach Seamus McElwain was one of Ireland’s most fearless and dedicated soldiers. He was a revolutionary through and through. He lived and breathed our struggle and he lay down his life fighting to achieve a free and equal Ireland.
“Seamus’s exploits struck fear into the crown forces across the North and he couldn’t be kept down, leading an escape of 38 republican prisoners from what was termed the most secure prison in Europe.
“Seamus was a close friend and comrade and I am proud to have known and worked with him. It is because of people like Seamus and their huge sacrifice and dedication that we have got to the position we are, enabling us to achieve our objectives peacefully and democratically.
“Seamus will continue to inspire us to achieve what he gave his life for, a free and equal Ireland.”