30 July 1998 Edition
Fógraí bháis: Sean Treacy
Republicans throughout the country and the small close knit community of the Heath outside Portlaoise were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Sean Treacy. Sean and his workmate Robert Dunne died tragically when a trench they were working in collapsed.
Sean was 57 years old and was a staunch republican from the time he was a teenager. He joined the IRA when he was just 17 years old and was soon on active service during the 1956-1962 Border campaign. During the Royal visit to Co Laois by Princess Margaret in 1964 Sean played a leading role in the protests against the visit. Along with other republicans he cut down trees to block the Royal cavalcade.
He continued to be an active republican and in 1969 when the nationalist community came under attack from the crown forces and their Orange allies, Sean was in the thick of things and resumed active service. He took part in numerous attacks on the enemy in the occupied six counties and evaded capture on several occasions including during the British army's ``Operation Motorman'' in Derry. Those who took part in operations with him would often remark later on his bravery and commitment. He continued to be loyal to the Republican Movement right up to his death.
During the height of the war in Bosnia he went as a helper with a relief convoy. When the convoy was making its way along an extremely difficult mountain road that was narrow and had a steep drop to one side, some of the drivers became nervous. Sean was determined that they reached their destination so when one driver refused to go any further, Sean drove the lorry for him.
He was a popular character who liked going to a GAA matches and having the craic afterwards. He spent most of his life in the building industry and was much sought after due to his reputation as a skilled and committed worker. Often he would oblige an elderly neighbour who needed some repairs doing.
The high esteem in which he was held was evident in the huge crowds that attended his funeral. Republicans from as far away as Donegal and Kerry were there to pay their respects to a courageous republican soldier.
The Republican Movement extends its deepest sympathy to Sean's family and friends.
Sean was 57 years old and was a staunch republican from the time he was a teenager. He joined the IRA when he was just 17 years old and was soon on active service during the 1956-1962 Border campaign. During the Royal visit to Co Laois by Princess Margaret in 1964 Sean played a leading role in the protests against the visit. Along with other republicans he cut down trees to block the Royal cavalcade.
He continued to be an active republican and in 1969 when the nationalist community came under attack from the crown forces and their Orange allies, Sean was in the thick of things and resumed active service. He took part in numerous attacks on the enemy in the occupied six counties and evaded capture on several occasions including during the British army's ``Operation Motorman'' in Derry. Those who took part in operations with him would often remark later on his bravery and commitment. He continued to be loyal to the Republican Movement right up to his death.
During the height of the war in Bosnia he went as a helper with a relief convoy. When the convoy was making its way along an extremely difficult mountain road that was narrow and had a steep drop to one side, some of the drivers became nervous. Sean was determined that they reached their destination so when one driver refused to go any further, Sean drove the lorry for him.
He was a popular character who liked going to a GAA matches and having the craic afterwards. He spent most of his life in the building industry and was much sought after due to his reputation as a skilled and committed worker. Often he would oblige an elderly neighbour who needed some repairs doing.
The high esteem in which he was held was evident in the huge crowds that attended his funeral. Republicans from as far away as Donegal and Kerry were there to pay their respects to a courageous republican soldier.
The Republican Movement extends its deepest sympathy to Sean's family and friends.