Richard Halpenny

People throughout Derry and beyond felt great shock and sadness at the sudden death of Richard Halpenny in the city on 28 July.

A well-known republican, Richard originally hailed from Dundalk but long ago was claimed as a Derryman by friends and comrades. The huge crowds of mourners at his wake reflected the respect and love people had for him. After wreaths were laid on behalf of Oglaigh na hÉireann, Sinn Féin, the PDF, and the PoWs, former hungerstriker and comrade Raymond McCartney offered the sympathy of the Republican Movement to the Halpenny family: children Annette, Marian, Lorraine, Ricky and Paul; to Jack, Teresa, Carmel and Malachy and the rest of the family circle.

Acknowledging the difficulty of finding words to comfort mourners, Raymond eased the loss with recollections which rekindled cherished moments of Richard's life.

``Richard's friends here today will have their own memories: his fondness for a game of snooker, his love of a song, his delight at being with the Over the Hill Gang in Shantallow House whenever he could, telling his array of jokes - even though he had told some of them before and perhaps before that again. His friendship to you is something I do not have to explain, nor will I try. He was a true gentleman. His loyalty to those he worked with and for bore witness to this as well.

``I came to know Richard best through his passionate love for his country. From the days of internment through the dark days of the Armagh/H-Block campaign and the hunger strikes and beyond, Richard worked tirelessly for the prisoners and their families. Today we bury him wearing his green ribbon, a symbol of his empathy with political prisoners - long before two of his own children, Ricky and Lorraine, spent years imprisoned.

``Richard's quest for justice did not end there. He was politically active in Sinn Féin from the early 70s to mid-80s at a middle leadership level. Despite having reservations about the electoral analysis, he was a regular feature complete with Sinn Féin rosette at every election for the past 15 years.

``No matter what the hour, Richard's home was open to those who required it and no matter what the task he was ready and able to assist. Many volunteers in Oglaigh na hÉireann appreciate his selflessness and dedication in his service to the struggle.''

Raymond then recounted a story that involved Richard, Raymond, a car with the back springs under stress, a Garda checkpoint and unconstitutional business. Suffice it to say that Raymond had reason to give thanks for Richard's charm and gentlemanly accent that day.

Many mourners smiled as this story brought back similar memories. Raymond concluded by addressing Richard's children: ``I have no need to tell you about your father, but as republicans we remember and pay tribute to a true friend and comrade. A Risteard, i measc laochra na hÉireann go bhfuil tú anois. Codladh sámh duit, slán abhaile.''

Roy Haughey

Republicans from Lurgan and further afield were saddened to learn of the death of former POW Roy Haughey.

Roy, who died on Wednesday 22 July, spent nine years in the cages of Long Kesh and was a popular figure in the North Armagh town.

While Roy was in prison Long Kesh was burned and he recieved a particularly brutal beating when he was set upon by baton wielding screws and attacked by guard dogs. Tragically, while Roy was in jail his parents were killed in a traffic accident while returning from a friend's wedding. Roy was only allowed the minimum parole to attend his parents' funeral.

During his final illness Roy told his friend Sinn Fein councillor Francie Murray that he was determined to hang on in there until after his daughter's wedding. And with the typical determination Roy had shown throughout his life he got to the wedding.

Roy is survived by two sons and a daughter. Deepest sympathy is extended to them from the entire Republican Movement.