James Peter Morgan

The death occurred recently of Falls Republican James Peter Morgan better known to his friends and comrades as ‘Wee Morgey’.
James Peter was born in 1945 in the town of Lurgan to James and Nell Morgan (nee McConville). Following the death of his mother young Morgey, aged only 12, moved along with his father to Belfast where they lived above his uncle Malachi’s chip shop in Leeson Street.
Like many others the pogroms of 1969 had a big impact on the life of Morgey and many others and he was instrumental in helping defend the Falls area from loyalist and B Specials attacks.
For protecting his community he was arrested and jailed in Crumlin Road Jail, finally being released in a general amnesty which ironically also saw the freeing of Ian Paisley and Major Ronald Bunting.
In 1971 Morgey married Barbara Boyle, the woman who was to remain his soul mate for the rest of his life. They had three daughters, Barbara, Saoirse and Fiona.
By this stage he had become a member of the IRA’s renowned D Coy 2nd Battalion and for his commitment to the republican cause he was once again incarcerated this time in the internment camp at Long Kesh in 1973.
During this period of imprisonment Morgey perfected his skill of French polishing and had many internees avail of his his trademanship to enhance their various handicrafts.
Released in October 1975 he once again became involved in the republican struggle and the ensuing years saw both Morgey and his wife Barbara suffer constant harassment at the hand of British forces through countless raids and arrests.
In 1987 he was held on remand for nine months as a result of the paid perjurer, supergrass policy and in the early 90’s a loyalist death squad acting on information undoubtedly supplied by the Brits, targeted his home but fortunately Morgey was not present at the time.
Morgey had a wide circle of friends. He was ready to lend a helping hand. He was small in stature but he had a big heart. He loved a good argument and of course was never wrong. When all is said and done Morgey was a good friend to have.
He was an active republican all through his life. He saw no task as too small and rose to any occasion.
Although diagnosed with cancer several years ago Morgey refused to let it get the better of him, living life to the full, his beloved Barbara by his side all time.
The word ‘character’ does not do justice to Morgey, and the high turnout at his funeral was testimony to the esteem in which he was held within the republican and nationalist community of Belfast. A sad loss for all who were lucky to have known him.
Go ndeanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a n-anam uasal.