Honours degrees for ex-POWs

Two republican ex-prisoners, Kevin Campbell and Kevin McGettigan recently graduated from University of Ulster, Magee, with an honours degree in Irish Language and Literature. The two began the degree after funding was secured by Tar Abhaile, the Republican ex-prisoners group based in Derry, to enhance the skills and employability of ex-prisoners and their families. Pius McNaught chairperson of Tar Abhaile commented: “I would like to congratulate the two men on succeeding in attaining their degree. It is another success story for former political prisoners in which Tar Abhaile through CFNI and SEUPB peace funding, has been able to enhance their individual training and their prospects for proper employment opportunities. This is in line with the other training opportunities which Tar Abhaile provided to former prisoners and their families such as the HGV, Bus Licence and Health and Fitness instruction through which many republican ex-prisoners who participated in such training have since sought and found employment.” Kevin Campbell, who is also a Sinn Féin councillor, paid tribute to Tar Abhaile for the assistance which they were able to give to himself, Kevin McGettigan and many other former political prisoners, who have been to take up new forms of employment:
“Financial restraints and discrimination against ex-POWs in employment opportunities are some of the major obstacles that they face. However, the financial assistance that myself and Kevin received to help us do the degree course from Tar Abhaile contributed greatly to the success, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Tar Abhaile for this”.