30.10.04
An Phoblacht
Memorial dedicated to young IRA Volunteer
Photo: Michael Hughes' sister, Kate McCorry, unveiled the monument
A memorial was unveiled earlier this month to IRA Volunteer Michael Hughes, from Derrybeg, Newry, who was shot dead by the British Army 30 years ago. The very popular young man was just 16 years old when he died in extremely brutal and controversial conditions.
The Parade to the dedication of the monument, which was erected by the local Hughes/Grant/Watters Cumann with the support of the Derrybeg community, commenced at Newry Swimming Pool. Over 500 people, led by a colour party of republican ex-prisoners and accompanied by the Raymond McCreesh Band from Camloch and St Patrick's Band from Kilkeel, made their way through the Meadow Estate to the memorial, which is placed close to the Camloch Road, not far from where Michael Hughes was murdered.
Derrybeg Sinn Féin Councillor Marian Mathers chaired proceedings and wreaths were laid. Michael's sister, Kate McCorry, unveiled the beautiful monument to this fine young patriot, who on regular occasions before his killing had been informed by both RUC and British military personnel that he would be shot.
Pat Mathers played the Last Post and before the minute's silence was called reference was made to the memory of the two young children who lost their lives in the recent drowning tragedy.
Sinn Féin South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane give the main oration and talked of the recollection that many Derrybeg people and republican activists had of Michael Hughes, who had witnessed the vicious and brutal oppression of his people and had joined Óglaigh na hÉireann, where he showed a maturity beyond his years.
"We must not forget the pain that Michael's mother and family went through 30 years ago, a pain which is still evident today," said the Sinn Féin MLA, who also mentioned Michael's father Patrick, who tragically died, also as an IRA Volunteer on active service.
Caitríona said that no progress would have been made in the Peace Process if it had not been for the courageous efforts of IRA Volunteers, whose sacrifices had brought the situation to where the vision of the Ireland that people like Michael Hughes gave their lives for, that of a United Ireland, an Ireland of Equals, is now within reach.
Memorial dedicated to young IRA Volunteer
Photo: Michael Hughes' sister, Kate McCorry, unveiled the monument
A memorial was unveiled earlier this month to IRA Volunteer Michael Hughes, from Derrybeg, Newry, who was shot dead by the British Army 30 years ago. The very popular young man was just 16 years old when he died in extremely brutal and controversial conditions.
The Parade to the dedication of the monument, which was erected by the local Hughes/Grant/Watters Cumann with the support of the Derrybeg community, commenced at Newry Swimming Pool. Over 500 people, led by a colour party of republican ex-prisoners and accompanied by the Raymond McCreesh Band from Camloch and St Patrick's Band from Kilkeel, made their way through the Meadow Estate to the memorial, which is placed close to the Camloch Road, not far from where Michael Hughes was murdered.
Derrybeg Sinn Féin Councillor Marian Mathers chaired proceedings and wreaths were laid. Michael's sister, Kate McCorry, unveiled the beautiful monument to this fine young patriot, who on regular occasions before his killing had been informed by both RUC and British military personnel that he would be shot.
Pat Mathers played the Last Post and before the minute's silence was called reference was made to the memory of the two young children who lost their lives in the recent drowning tragedy.
Sinn Féin South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane give the main oration and talked of the recollection that many Derrybeg people and republican activists had of Michael Hughes, who had witnessed the vicious and brutal oppression of his people and had joined Óglaigh na hÉireann, where he showed a maturity beyond his years.
"We must not forget the pain that Michael's mother and family went through 30 years ago, a pain which is still evident today," said the Sinn Féin MLA, who also mentioned Michael's father Patrick, who tragically died, also as an IRA Volunteer on active service.
Caitríona said that no progress would have been made in the Peace Process if it had not been for the courageous efforts of IRA Volunteers, whose sacrifices had brought the situation to where the vision of the Ireland that people like Michael Hughes gave their lives for, that of a United Ireland, an Ireland of Equals, is now within reach.
