Liam O'Mahony

Family and friends from far and near gathered in Portarlington on Saturday 20 November to pay their final tribute to lifelong republican Liam O'Mahony.

Born in Dublin's North Strand, Liam was reared with a love for all things Irish, from the language to Irish music and games. He drew inspiration from Pearse and Connolly and it was fitting that a larger than life Easter Lily marked the spot of his final resting place and that his coffin was wrapped in the Tricolour.

Liam's contribution to the struggle was immense, given over many years in his own quiet way, but with no little hardship to both himself and his family. He was no stranger to police and prison cells. He received constant attention from the Special Branch and his home was raided at all hours on numerous occasions.

During imprisonment in 1977, when the Cooney/ Cosgrave regime was doing everything it could to repress republicans, he and 19 comrades embarked on hunger strike to secure decent prison conditions and an end to strip-searching and punishment beatings. When that hunger strike ended after 47 days, Liam was in extremely poor physical condition, but remained unbroken and made a better recovery than could have been hoped for.

Liam's graveside oration was given by Sinn Féin Councillor John Carroll, who spoke of his many great qualities, reminding those present of the sacrifices Liam made to bring his dream of a free Ireland to fruition.

He will be remembered not only by his family and friends but by republicans everywhere. We extend the greatest sympathy to his wife Sheila, his sons Fergal, Colm and Aiden, his daughters Síobhan and Gráinne, his sisters and his grandchildren.

May the soil of his adopted County Laois rest softly on him, and may he rest in peace.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.