Brian O'Gorman 

BRIAN O’GORMAN, one of the unsung heroes of the IRA’s armed struggle in the 1970s, passed away on Christmas Day in St James’s Hospital, Dublin.
Brian was a central figure in IRA operations in England.
Born in Dublin in 1943 and raised in Ceannt Fort, James’s Street, Dublin 8, his father worked for the water board. He had family connections with the struggle for Irish freedom stretching over generations.
Brian could have operated with an IRA Active Service Unit in Ireland but he courageously chose to serve in England.
Brian was a man credited with uncanny perception by his comrades. He was an IRA Intelligence Officer up until 1976 and he masterminded the successful importation and procurement of the weapons and explosives that ensured the effectiveness of the IRA campaign ‘in the belly of the beast’. Not only did Brian get ordnance in successfully but he got Volunteers out safely when needed. Volunteers were ‘safe housed’ in a network of homes that Brian established before they were spirited out of the country.
At various times, Brian held the position of Officer Commanding, South London IRA, and was arrested by police on numerous occasions. Although he was never imprisoned for his activities, Brian suffered beatings at the hands of the Surrey Police and the effects of these were to take their toll in later years. He returned to Ireland after 1976 to live in Inchicore.
The nature of Brian’s work ensured that he was one who wasn’t in the limelight nor did he seek recognition. He was a true revolutionary activist, operating in the most exacting conditions and with the utmost dedication.
One comrade said of Brian: “He was known to few but his achievements were far beyond the norm.”
A dedicated IRA activist, Brian stayed true to the last and remained committed to the objective of a 32-county republic until his dying day.
It is fitting that he was laid to rest in the Republican Plot in Glasnevin Cemetery among so many other brave patriots and revolutionaries.
In a year when republicans mark the 150th anniversary of the Fenians whose armed campaigns included attacks on English soil, we also honour the memory of Brian O’Gorman, a man who followed in their footsteps and who led the way for many more fighters for Irish freedom.