Séamus gave it his all

A crowd of more than 1,000 people from across the border counties and beyond gathered in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, to honour IRA Volunteer Séamus McElwain on the 40th anniversary of his death in a British SAS ambush near Roslea.

The commemoration on 26 April was dignified and powerful - marked by reflection, remembrance, and a clear sense of republican unity. Proceedings were chaired by Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor Niamh McCooey, who welcomed those in attendance and set the tone for a ceremony rooted in respect and collective memory.

Music and ceremony played an important role in the day’s proceedings. The Strabane Memorial Flute Band led the parade, while piper Elaine Cassidy of the Mountain Road Band - whose father Jack Maguire was among the pipers at Séamus McElwain’s funeral - provided a poignant musical tribute.

The event celebrated a life dedicated to the struggle for a united Ireland and a republic rooted in social justice.

• Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly giving the main oration at the Séamus McElwain commemoration

The main oration was delivered by his comrade, fellow Long Kesh escapee and Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, who paid tribute to Seamus McElwain’s commitment, discipline and leadership.

Recalling his early involvement, Kelly said: “At 14 years of age Séamus and a few friends formed a local Slua of Na Fianna Éireann. Within two years he had joined the IRA - even telling a wee white lie about his age to stand alongside his comrades.”

He added: “Once committed, Séamus gave it his all. By 17 he was reorganising the Roslea area. He had a talent for building trust - securing safe houses, making connections, and planning meticulously.”

• The McElwain commemoration colour party

Kelly also reflected on the personal dimension of Seamus’s decision to join the struggle, quoting his father James:

“Séamus was an intelligent boy and did not join Óglaigh na hÉireann without serious thought… Knowing it was his decision, I could only support him as I would any stand he might honestly take.”

Describing the particular conditions faced by Volunteers in the 26 Counties, Kelly said McElwain could have chosen an easier path: “He could have lived a ‘normal’ life - but he wouldn’t leave it to others. He took up arms knowing it could lead to prison or death.”

• Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy, Monaghan Cllrs Sinead Flynn, Niamh McCooey, and Bronagh McAree and Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett.

He noted that the McElwain home was repeatedly raided and wrecked, yet Séamus remained steadfast. He also turned down an opportunity to study in the United States, choosing instead to remain at home and continue his involvement in the struggle.

Kelly outlined Seamus’s time in prison and his role in the political struggle, including his candidacy in the February 1982 general election in Cavan-Monaghan, where he polled 4,365 votes while on remand.

A central focus of the address was Seamus’s role in the 1983 escape from the H-Blocks in Long Kesh - one of the most significant prison escapes in modern history.

Kelly described how Seamus helped secure control within the prison during the operation and later played a crucial role once escapees made it beyond the perimeter:

“Séamus had ‘field craft’. He advised keeping off the roads and moving by night. He knew what he was doing - and others trusted him.”

• Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy speaking at the Séamus McElwain commemoration

He recalled the words of Brendan “Bik” McFarlane, who said: “In my head I was thinking - this guy knows what he’s talking about. He had a wealth of experience for such a young man.”

Kelly emphasised Seamus’s leadership, calmness and protective instinct in the days following the escape, particularly as the group moved through rural areas in the border region.

He also shared an anecdote recounted by former prisoner Seán Lynch, describing their reunion after the escape: “‘They gave me 30 years,’ Séamus said, ‘I stayed 30 months.’”

• Cllr Niamh McCooey speaking at the McElwain commemoration

Wreaths were laid at Seamus’s grave during the ceremony by Seán Lynch on behalf of the republican movement; Matthew Caulfield on behalf of the McElwain family; Tom Moyna representing the McElwain Ryan Cumann; Terence Baxter on behalf of Fermanagh Comhairle Ceantair; and Pat Treanor on behalf of Monaghan Comhairle Ceantair.

Turning to the present, Kelly pointed to growing support for Irish unity across society, including among those from unionist backgrounds.

• Seamus McElwain gravestone

He said:

“There is no economic obstacle to unity. Increasingly, people - including Protestants and unionists - are engaging in this conversation.”

He stressed the importance of structured planning, including the establishment of Citizens’ Assemblies, and criticised the Irish Government’s reluctance to prepare for constitutional change.

“Planning for Irish unity is common sense. We need dialogue, preparation and inclusion - and communities like Monaghan must be at the heart of that effort.”

Concluding, Kelly linked Seamus McElwain’s legacy to the current phase of the struggle:

“Without the courage and commitment of Séamus and his comrades, we would not have come this far. And we are closer now to achieving a united Ireland than at any point in our history.”

Following the ceremony, an extremely well-attended exhibition and panel discussion took place, where those present shared their memories of Séamus McElwain. Particularly striking were the contributions of younger attendees and others who had never met him, but who spoke of his life and legacy as a powerful political inspiration - a testament to the enduring impact of his commitment and example.

• Gerry Kelly with Seán Lynch