Loughgall Martyrs 20th Anniversay Commemorative website

Following repeated requests to provide a forum for people to leave messages of support, sympathy & remembrance, it has been decided to provide this link where messages can be sent for inclusion on this page.

We ask contributors to remember that members of the families of the dead Volunteers will be able to read the messages posted here. It is anticipated that the messages posted will be collated and presented to the families at a time to be fixed.

The administrator reserves the right to edit messages received as necessary to comply with the stated aims.

Messages received will be made available on this page as soon as possible.

Go raibh maith agat
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We the members of the Loughgall20 Commemorative Committee wish to send solidarity greetings to the families of the Volunteers who lost their lives at Loughgall on 8th May 1987. We will never forget the sacrifice made by these men and their families, nor the role they have played in our country’s continuing struggle for freedom. We will endeavour to ensure that their courage and determination will continue to inspire our people until victory has been achieved, and that we will provide testimony to their deeds for the generations still to come.

As Gerry Adams said in his oration at the graveside of Jim Lynagh -
"Loughgall will become the tombstone for British policy in Ireland"

Beirigí Bua
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A chairde,

the Loughgall Martyrs will never be forgotten, even though I was only a young lad of 12 when the lads were ambushed, I've never forgotten seeing the news that day. Their bravery and courage in taking the war to the brits will always be remembered by freedom loving people around this country of ours... TIOCFAIDH AR LA... RIP brave sons of Ireland..

Bill Foley, Dublin.
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Comrades,

The revolutionaries who were cut down that day in 1987 were living proof that human beings will sacrifice everything for freedom and justice. If you ever wonder if people have it in them to fight for revolutionary change think about our comrades.

They were a part of a whole global generation that stood up to colonialism and exploitation from Palestine to El Salvador to South Africa. They were the bravest of the brave.

Solidarity and struggle,
Brad Duncan
Detroit, Michigan, USA
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A Chara

It is with great respect I have read about the poeple who was killed in this ambush. I will hounor their memory and do everything to bring your message further.

Is there anything I can do to help, please contact me. I live in Norway and have support Sinn Fein and their struggle for peace through my membership in Cairde Sinn Fein.

Is mise

Harald Hansen

Member of CSF
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I would like to say a few words about the 8 brave volunteer soldiers of the IRA, who on that sad day were murdered in cold blood by the SAS, it's their actions and the actions of others that have brought us to where we are today. I hope the families are as proud of their loved ones as I am. May they and all the other volunteers who have paid the ultimate price, fighting for us all, rest in peace forever! We shall never forget!

George Hanna,
Lower Falls,
Belfast
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God bless the volunteers of Loughgall, their memory will always live on in the hearts and minds of Fenians throughout Ireland. They will never be forgotten. In the words of Bobby Sands

"It lights the dark of this prison cell,
It thunders forth its might.
It is the undauntable thought, my friend
That thought that says IM,RIGHT."
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Always remembered with love and pride.

Wishaw Cumann
Cairde na hEireann
Scotland
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Your lives were not in vain.

Fuair siad bás ar son saoirse na hEireann.

Tíocfaidh Ár Lá
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Fantastic web site. A fit and loving tribute to these brave men...I can't believe it has been 20 years...I remember it so well...

...Mandy...
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Ag cuimhneamh ar na fir, agus ar a gclanna ag an am seo.

Eoghan
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While I don't recall the event too clearly as I was in my early teens, to read about the outstanding bravery and fearlesness of these brave volunteers and the many many others who were prepared to lay down their lives without regret, makes my soul burst with pride.

They will always be remembered fondly by those who look on them with pride

Yours very humbly
Joe

Tiocfaidh Ar La
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In memory of 8 Soldiers of Ireland, who were butchered May 8th 1987 by British forces, while on active service.

It only feels like yesterday I heard the news. Time has passed by, but the feelings of hurt and sorrow still remain. The only fitting memorial will be a 32 County Socialist Republic.

Always Remembered by Michael and Family, Dublin.
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God Bless the Volunteers killed in action at Loughgall on the 8th May and their families. For all those who gave their lives for Ireland's Freedom, I pray to God that their lives were not in vain.

Mark McAleese
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30ú Aibrean 2007

Just a few words to let the families know they are still very much in our thoughts. I remember hearing of the men's murders almost 20 years ago and can say without fear of contradiction, we were all shocked, saddened and angry. North Belfast lost heavily over the conflict, but hearing about the lads in Loughgall was totally shocking. People from all over Ireland and beyong were talking about it and I'm sure they will be remembering them and their families on this 20th Anniversary. It is hard to believe that 20 years has passed but their commitment and bravery will always be remembered.

Carál Ní Chuilín
MLA North Belfast
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Forever heroes, forever honored, forever remembered.

Kia kaha

Yours in solidarity from "downunder."

Oisín
Auckland, NZ
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Comrades

May God bless them and may we all remember these 8 brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice to free their land, brutally shot down by British murderers. This 8th May I again will be lighting 8 candles after Mass and saying a special prayer for our brave Volunteers and their beloved families, God bless you all.

Martin Shadbolt
(English Republican)
London
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Prayers for the dead and those left to mourn. God Bless.

Geraldine
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God rest their souls,

We will never forget the 8 brave volunteers,

TAL
Barra MacFhionnlaoich
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I was 10 years old when the Loughgall Massacre occurred. Although I was a bit too young to understand fully what was happening I remember my mother and father crying and being devastated at what happened. As I got older I began to understand fully the role the brave volunteers played that day and their sacrifice is one of the reasons that I am a Republican today. I will never forget them.

I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to the families and commend you on this commemorative website.

Beidh ár lá linn
Cllr Tierna Cunningham
North Belfast
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I remember it vividly and salute our fallen heroes. Prayers of remembrance for the families and comrades of these brave soldiers.

Always remembered, always respected, never forgotten.

John,
Preston
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Well, what can I say. It's hard to believe it's 20 years ago. I can't look at what has happened this week with Martin and Mr Paisley and not think about the 8 lads who died at Loughall. I can only get emotional and just wish they were here with us to savour these days. I knew Jim Lynagh, we were neighbours in Monaghan, what a character, there has never been anybody like him since he dedicated his life for his people. What more can you ask for.

They will never be forgotten, our day has come.

Philip
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I attended the main commemoration in Cappagh and I would like to commend the organisers for a very fitting tribute to our fallen comrades. I attended almost all of their funerals and wakes and remember the dignity and pride shown by the volunteers’ families and the movement they represented. My heart has always been with the brave Tyrone brigade who paid a high price for opposing british rule....

God bless them and their families.....

Charlie McMenamin...
Derry City
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