Anna Lena O'Kane

It was with deep sorrow that the people of South Derry and North Antrim, especially the republican community, learned of the death of Anna Lena O'Kane.

A native of Rasharkin, Anna Lena had spent most of her life in Kilrea, and it was here that she passed away on the 12 December 1996 after a lengthy illness which she bore with great fortitude.

A staunch republican activist, Anna Lena assisted the Movement in every way possible, often at great risk to herself. She was a longtime prison visitor, regularly travelling to Long Kesh and Crumlin Road Jail during the interment years and later during the H-Block protests.

Her work as a nurse, with long hours and lengthy travelling, kept her busy, yet all during the Blanket Protest, from 1976 until the 1981 Hunger Strikes, she travelled the country attending marches and rallies, visiting prisoners and helping their families. She was a true friend to anyone on the run and to newly released POWs and she would go out of her way to help them.

Her own life was not without hardship and danger. In March 1988 Anna Lena and her partner John were lucky to escape unscathed when a booby trap device planted at their farm by Milltown killer Michael Stone exploded, badly injuring her nephew Stephen. One year later a second booby trap device exploded, almost killing her partner and her nephew yet again.

Three tragedies were to cast a shadow over Anna Lena's later years. The first was the death in a drowning accident of Volunteer Peter Rodden, a very close friend. He died in December 1987. On 16 August 1991, Kilrea republican Tommy Donaghy, another close friend and relative, was assassinated by the UDA at his workplace, and less than a year later on 2 April 1992 another close friend and neighbour, Danny Cassidy was assassinated by the UDA on the street where they both lived. As a woman with a deep love for her country, and for the republican volunteers who served it, these incidents affected her deeply yet never at anytime did they weaken her resolve.

Indeed, one of my strongest memories of Anna Lena was during the elections of 30 May last year, when, her body weakened by illness, and unable to walk unaided, she was supported into the polling station to cast her vote for Sinn Féin.

Anna Lena, you will be remembered as a true friend and comrade. May the green sod of Ireland rest lightly on you.

To her partner John, to her son, daughters and grandchildren, to her large family circle we extend our deepest sympathy.

Go ndeana Dia Trocaire ar a anam.

J.D.

Michael Caffery

The death took place on 25 January of Michael Caffery of Rahard, Carnaross, County Meath. He was 86 years of age. Michael was born into a strong republican family and throughout his life he remained true to his republican ideals. He was interned in the Curragh in 1932-33.

At the outbreak of the English campaign in the 40s he volunteered for active service in England. He was again active in the Border campaign of the 1956-62.

He was a founder member and Chairperson of the local Paddy Dermody Cumann of Sinn Féin. Throughout his life as a political activist his home was constantly raided by the political police.

In 1949 he married Mary Briody of Woodpole, Carnaross. She was the daughter of the well known republican John Briody. They had four children - Rose, Shelia, Charlie and Anglea - and 10 grandchildren. There was a large attendance at the removal from his home to St. Bridget's Church, Oldcastle. Fr Conlon PP gave a very fitting tribute to Michael and his family. His coffin was draped in the tricolour and his comrades provided a guard of honour. Michael Lynch played the Last Post and a rendering of the Bold Fenian Men.

Michael, an old Fenian, has passed on to his reward. We mourn his passing and celebrate his life as a lifelong republican. To his family and friends we offer the sincere condolences of the Republican Movement.