24 April 2003 Edition

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Peter Dignam



On Sunday morning, 6 April, Peter Dignam of New Road, Clara, Co Offaly, died, aged 88 years.

Peter was a lifelong republican, who was interned in the Curragh Camp for over four years in the early 1940s. While in prison, Peter joined his comrades in a hunger strike and refused visits for over three years to gain the rights of political status.

Peter's uncle, Liam Dignam, was shot by the Black and Tans in 1922 and died six months later from his wounds.

Peter's son, Thomas, has also carried on the proud republican tradition, having polled very well in the Council elections in Donegal in 1999, and again in the general elections in 2002.

Peter's removal from his home in Clara on Monday evening, was given a guard of honour, and his coffin was draped in the Tricolour. The guard of honour was also present for his funeral on Tuesday 8 April.

Sinn Féin Councillor for Bundoran, Michael McMahon, gave the oration at the graveside, praising Peter's achievements. He also thanked the Dignam family for their support of the republican struggle and for always leaving their door open for republicans on both sides of the border.

Oliver O'Connor laid a wreath on behalf of the republican movement and Peter's grandson James Goade laid a wreath on behalf of the Liam Dignam Sinn Féin cumann in Clara. There was a large attendance at Peter's funeral, and he will be sadly missed.

To his wife Annie, his son Thomas, his daughters, Loretta, Maura, Carmel, Esther and Teresa, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he will never be forgotten. We offer our sincerest sympathies.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland