Fergal Caraher Commemoration, Cullyhanna, South Armagh

From a local correspondent

Fergal Caraher

IT’S HARD to believe that 20 years have passed since the cruel murder of Fergal Caraher by the British military on December 30th 1990.  But as the huge crowds gathered in Cullyhanna to commemorate the occasion the reality of that fact was brought home.

People came from near and far, as they have done all down the years, to once again honour a brave life cut short in its prime.

Fergal was a prime example of all that was good in a young person. He saw the injustices faced by the people of this area, the land that he loved, and he did everything in his power to bring these injustices and cruelties on his people to an end.

There were many facets of Fergal’s character which demonstrate why he is remembered with such pride.

He was instrumental in many aspects of community life in and around Cullyhanna, becoming involved in the establishment of a youth band and taking part in Gaelic games.  However, Fergal’s most important role was membership of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Through this, Fergal sought to free his country and his people from the human rights abuses and murders which were carried out by the British Army in his own area and all across the Six Counties.

This year’s commemoration was chaired by local Sinn Féin Councillor Colman Burns, who opened by welcoming people to the village of Cullyhanna.

Councillor Burns went on to lambast the thugs responsible for the recent attack on Cullyhanna Band Hall, which had been the original venue for the commemoration, he said:

For years the people of this area have been threatened and intimidated by the British Army in all its guises, refused then to be broken and we will refuse now when facing threats from thugs and criminals who attack our whole community.

The main speaker for the event was Bobby Storey, who paid tribute to Fergal and the Caraher family for all the sacrifices they had made.

Bobby also spoke out against those who wish to see a return to the days of the past and who vilify and malign republicans today.

These people have nothing to offer. They have no way of achieving a united Ireland and one would have to question their motives in attacking those who are succeeding every day in bringing the reality of a united country closer.