Charles (Charlie) McIlroy

North Louth/South Armagh

THE Republican Movement across North Louth and South Armagh learned of the untimely death of Charlie McIlroy on February 13th with a mixture of sadness and great pride.
Charlie was born on the September 11th 1958 at Mounthill near the Armagh/Louth border.  Born in a staunchly republican area, Charlie witnessed first-hand the worst brutality of the occupying forces. In answer to the viciousness of the British Army against his community, Charlie became a dedicated republican and could always be relied on throughout the darkest days of the conflict.
Married to Roisín for over 25 years, Charlie was very close to his family, including his mother Annie, brother Henry and sisters Dympna and Ita.
Developing diabetes in the prime of his life did not hold Charlie back and he continued to play a role in his community and also to work as a mechanic, even after he lost his sight due to this disease.
Stories are legion of how Charlie’s other senses compensated for his lack of sight and his encyclopaedic knowledge of engines and machines ensured that not only was he as competent at his job as any fully-sighted person but that he could also appreciate visiting far-flung places such as the Grand Canyon in America.
Huge numbers of people visited the McIlroy household for Charlie’s wake with many queuing outside in inclement weather to pay their respects.  His funeral was one of the largest ever seen in the area and he will be fondly remembered by republicans and friends across the country.