Noel Tidd

It was with a great sense of shock that we learned of the death of our comrade Noel Tidd, who died in Naas County Hospital on Wednesday 29 October.

Noel was born and raised in Droichead Nua and spent many a day fishing in and around the areas of Droichead Nua. Noel was arrested in the 80s for Republican activities and served several years in Portlaoise Prison as a POW. Noel loved the traditional music and continued playing the mandolin while in jail.

He loved the Irish language and was passionate about freedom for his country. You certainly needed to have your facts right when debating with Noel on the history of Ireland.

While in Portlaoise Noel adorned many mirrors with the following quote from Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara:

``The struggle must be well thought out, it must be mature, but once it has began, it must be continued till the end; there can be no compromise, no middle terms, no peace that will only half guarantee the stability of a country; the victory must be total.''

A large crowd gathered at the funeral home on the evening of the 30 October as his removal to St Conleths church, where his Tricolour-draped coffin was flanked by a Republican guard of honour. Republicans came from all over Ireland, with a lot of ex-POWs who wanted to pay their final respects to their comrade.

Unfortunately, there were the usual unwanted, disrespectful members of the Garda, who stood in groups at either end of the church walls, pointing and sneering, as indeed they were the night before. Mourners were also videotaped as the funeral proceeded to the graveyard at Kilbelin. Proceedings were chaired by Sinn Féin Councillor Mossy O'Reilly and the oration was given by Gerard (Fitzy) Fitzgerald who also spent time with Noel in Portlaoise Prison.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Ann, his son Théron, daughters Rosarrio and Aishling, his brothers Paddy, Seamus and his sisters Eileen, Angela and Rosarrio and to all his extended family and friends on behalf of the Republican Movement.

Tim O'Keeffe

With the death of Tim O'Keeffe on 11 November, the cause of Irish freedom lost one of its most dedicated supporter in San Francisco.

Along with his wife Annie, Tim was proprietor of O'Keeffe's Bar. Their bar has hosted countless benefits for the republican cause. Many of the representatives of the republican movement who have come to San Francisco during the current struggle have passed through its doors, where they always found a staunch supporter in Tim.

In recognition of their outstanding work on behalf of Irish prisoners and the cause of a united Ireland, Irish Northern Aid in San Francisco selected Tim and Annie as the honourees of its 1994 Testimonial Dinner Dance.

Tim was born in Kiskeam in County Cork, a town well-known for its leading role in the Tan War. He emigrated first to Canada and then, in 1959, to San Francisco. Like many Irish immigrants of his day, he went to work for the City and County of San Francisco, remaining an employee for 30 years until his retirement.

Tim married Annie, a native of Gortletteragh in County Leitrim, in 1981.

O'Keeffe's Bar has always been available to Irish Northern Aid for fundraisers, meetings or as a venue for speakers. Even its decor - such as its photographs of hunger-striker Kieran Doherty or IRA Volunteer Mairead Farrell, who was executed by British soldiers in Gibraltar - demonstrated solidarity with those struggling for a united Ireland.

Tim also always maintained a close connection to his native County Cork and could often be found at Cork-related functions in San Francisco. In addition, he was the proud father of three children.

Irish Northern Aid extends deepest sympathy to Annie and his children. Tim will be sorely missed.