Volunteer Seán McIlvenna - a life in struggle 

This December marks the 40th anniversary of my friend and comrade Volunteer Seán McIlvenna. Seán was a true revolutionary leader who inspired many of us during the darkest days of the conflict. 

Above all, Seán was husband to his loving wife Pat and father to seven fantastic kids, the twins born just 12 days before Seán's untimely death while on IRA active service in county Armagh. Seán loved his family. He lived a life in struggle so that future generations wouldn't have to grow up under the same oppression and injustice which he was born into.

Seán was born in Belfast on 4 April 1951. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Fortwilliam Park in North Belfast before settling on the Antrim Road. Seán attended St Mary's Grammar School before serving his time as a pipe fitter. It was at St Joseph's Youth Club on the Antrim Road where Seán met his wife Pat, getting married in 1970 as the conflict was erupting onto our streets. 

• The funeral of Volunteer Seán McIlvenna making it's way through Belfast

Influenced by the political uprising, Seán chose to defend his community, getting involved in the Citizens Defense before ultimately joining the ranks of Óglaigh na h'Eireann. His skills as a strategist and organizer were quickly noticed, valued and admired by his comrades. Despite Seán's obsession with his personal security, he soon came under the radar of the RUC and was forced to go on the run in 1972. Spending some time in County Monaghan and Dublin, Seán and Pat would eventually settle in Dundalk. 

In 1978, Seán assumed a commanding role in the North Armagh area. Close comrades often remarked how Seán often prioritized the safety of other volunteers, ensuring their swift and safe return back to base following a military operation, before making his own exit.

Sadly, it would be the hills of county Armagh where Seán would pay the ultimate sacrifice, following an IRA operation on Monday 17 December 1984 at the age of 33.

On Sunday 15 December 2024, Republicans will gather in Blackwatertown (An Port Mór), County Armagh, joining the McIlvenna family as we commemorate Seán's 40th anniversary. I look forward to welcoming friends and comrades from across the island.

• Chris O'Donnell is a former Republican prisoner from the Short Strand area in Belfast.