23 January 1997 Edition
SDLP rejects memorial
Sinn Fein has failed in a proposal bid to have an extension at the Magherafelt College of Further and Higher Education named after murdered party colleague and college lecturer Councillor Bernard O'Hagan. The motion was rejected by the Nationalist controlled Magherafelt District Council by six unionist votes to four Sinn Fein votes after all four SDLP councillors abstained.
Councillor Bernard O'Hagan (37), a married man with three children, was a lecturer in business studies when assassinated by a lone UFF gunman as he arrived for work at the Magherafelt college on 16 September 1991. He was described by colleagues as a decent, unselfish, hardworking family man and was respected by all sections of the student community.
Sinn Fein councillor Gerard Walsh, who put the motion, said he was disappointed at the SDLP decision to abstain. ``Bernard was admired by people in all sections of the community, he had positive and dynamic influence on the careers of many of the students. His achievements are still spoken of at the college and he is deserving of such an honour.
Councillor Bernard O'Hagan (37), a married man with three children, was a lecturer in business studies when assassinated by a lone UFF gunman as he arrived for work at the Magherafelt college on 16 September 1991. He was described by colleagues as a decent, unselfish, hardworking family man and was respected by all sections of the student community.
Sinn Fein councillor Gerard Walsh, who put the motion, said he was disappointed at the SDLP decision to abstain. ``Bernard was admired by people in all sections of the community, he had positive and dynamic influence on the careers of many of the students. His achievements are still spoken of at the college and he is deserving of such an honour.