Raymond Loye

The recent and untimely death of Raymond Loye has deprived the republican family of a dedicated activist in south Armagh.

The people living in the small rural area of Aughanduff, where Raymond grew up, experienced some of the worst abuse directed at republicans and nationalists by the British Army and the unionist RUC.

He joined Sinn Féin to make a difference for his generation and his four children's generation. He contributed for over 30 years and never failed to accommodate the Republican Movement whenever he was asked to assist in the struggle against the occupying forces or the British.

An avid GAA supporter, he was delighted with the Armagh All-Ireland victory. He was a dedicated club member of Silverbridge GAA and gave generously of his time when called upon to use his bricklaying skills during the club expansion programme.

Raymond was cared for during the last weeks of his short life by the Newry Hospice staff. He had been part of his cumann's planning committee, that three months previously had raised funds for the retention of hospice services. Regrettably, he did not survive to see his family present a sizeable cheque to the hospice resulting from his activities.

Raymond's funeral was attended by hundreds of neighbours, friends and comrades and it was afforded full honours by the Republican Movement in recognition of a republican who quietly, but effectively, contributed to today's peace process.

Raymond will be sadly missed in the south Armagh community, but his concern and love for his fellow Irish men and women, and his desire to see a free, socialist 32-county republic, will never be forgotten.

Unfortunately, it was not achieved in his lifetime, but his contribution helped lay the stepping stones for that inevitable goal.

To his wife Eilish, children Francis, Majella, Teresa and Gerard, and his brother James Patrick, the McCreesh/McCabe Cumann in Mullaghbawn, mourn his passing and offer their sincerest condolences on their great loss.

Ni beidh síochán gan saoirse na héireann.