John McNeill, Antrim

REPUBLICANS in the Glens of Antrim were saddened to hear of the recent passing of John McNeill.
John was born on the family farm in Glendun in December 1933. He attended the local schools and on leaving continued to work the family’s land.
John was a committed republican who, after coming to the attention of the forces of the state in July 1957, was arrested and interned in Crumlin Road Jail along with other north Antrim republicans, including his future brother in-law, Jim Mc Mahon from Loughgiel.
John remained imprisoned until his release in August 1958. Shortly after this, John took up employment with the Forestry Service where he worked until his retirement.
John continued to be committed to the cause of Irish independence and along with his wife Sally was to the fore in collecting for prisoners for the Green Cross.
John was a great example of the republican tradition in the Glens of Antrim and will be sadly missed by us all. I bflaitheas Dé go raibh sé.