Republicans from across Counties Monaghan, Fermanagh and further afield are expected to be in attendance at Knockatallon this coming Easter Saturday evening to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of IRA Volunteer Seamus McElwain who was killed in an undercover ambush by the British SAS in 1986. The commemoration in Knockatallon will commence at 6.30pm, assembling at the monument dedicated to Seamus. Gerry Kelly is the main speaker.
This will be followed by the launch of a special book produced to mark the anniversary and an exhibition in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel after. The events will conclude with an Irish night with music by Paddywagon.
Fermanagh man, Seán Lynch, was with Seamus McElwain when they were attacked. Seán was seriously injured in the ambush, unfortunately Seamus’ young life was taken.
Encouraging people to come along to the commemoration, Seamus's good friend and comrade Sean Lynch said:
“I am extremely proud to call myself a close friend and comrade of Seamus McElwain. I would encourage everyone to join with us in remembering a revolutionary freedom fighter. Seamus McElwain was a dauntless and brave IRA volunteer who struck fear into the British War Machine in the 6 Counties and even though he was momentarily captured, he was an integral part of the 1983 Great Escape when he alongside 37 IRA political prisoners escaped from Long Kesh.
“At his funeral Gerry Adams spoke passionately about Seamus describing him ‘a brave intelligent soldier, a young man who gave up his youth to fight for the freedom of his country, an Irish freedom fighter murdered by British terrorists.’”
Seán continued: “Seamus gave his all to bring about necessary change and freedom to our country. He dedicated his whole life and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that young people of the future could live in a free and equal Ireland. Seamus was a revolutionary through and through, he was inherently political in fact he stood himself in the 1982 General Election in Cavan/Monaghan receiving almost 4000 votes.”
All are welcome to attend these special anniversary events.
