Caoimhín Mac Brádaigh remembered

Senator Pearse Doherty, Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher, Ann and Bríd Nic Bhrádaigh and Gráinne Mhic Ghéidigh at the memorial to Caoimhín in Meenaleck

A wreath laying ceremony in memory of IRA Volunteer Caoimhín Mac Brádaigh took place at Meenaleck, Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal on Sunday 16 March. Mac Brádaigh was killed along with John Murray and Thomas McErlean during a unionist paramilitary gun and bomb attack at Milltown Cemetery on the 16 March 1988 during the funerals of the Gibraltar Three. The three men bravely sought to prevent the attacker from injuring or killing others in the cemetery.
Caoimhín’s mother was from Doire na Mainsear in the Donegal Gaeltacht and was known locally as Biddy Mhadgie Frainc. His father Liam was from Belfast and they brought their children up there. The Irish language was central to the family life and their mother made sure they were brought up with a good command and understanding of Gaeilge.
Caoimhín was well known locally in the Rosses and Gaoth Dobhair. The family spent their summer holidays in Doire na Mainsear, and the childrenplayed with local children and later as adults they became part of the community.
Caoimhín lived in Doire na Mainsear in the late 1970s early 80s and at the time of the Hunger strikes he attended and helped organise many marches throughout the county. He had numerous friends with whom he socialised and worked. He attended a FÁS course in Gaoth Dobhair and attended the usual night spots of Gaoth Dobhair and the Rosses. The news of his death in 1988 was a grievous loss to many in the area.