Loughgall Martyrs 20th Anniversay Commemorative website

Óglach Jim Lynagh

13^th April 1956 - 8^th May 1987

When Jim Lynagh was not on active service it was because he was in detention or in gaol. His reputation as a revolutionary soldier, a leader of a highly active I.R.A. unit and his warm, intelligent and generous nature made him much loved wherever he went. Equally all this made him hated and feared by both the Gardaí and the Northern state forces.

Born in Monaghan on April 13^th 1956, Jim's life was spent in the service of the people. Joining the Army as a teenager he operated mainly in East Tyrone. In 1973 he was seriously injured in an accidental explosion. Captured after this incident he was sentenced to ten years in Long Kesh. On the day of his release, he reported back to his unit - even before he went home.

In 1979 he was elected to Monaghan Urban District Council as a Sinn Fein councillor. This did nothing to stop the daily harassment of Jim and his family, which was as intense as their fear of Jim himself. If a passing Garda car saw Jim, or even one of his family they were known to stop traffic to get out to beat him. Jim continued to live among the people of Tyrone and Armagh, and is remembered for his helpful involvement when stating no job was too great or too small if it needed doing.

The R.U.C. would repeatedly raise his name in Gough Barracks and checkpoints. They offered bribes that wouldn't have fitted on the cheque for him to be set up for assassination. No one would have considered it, not through fear but out of love. Jim Lynagh had time for everyone and everyone liked him. He was humble and dignified and under no illusions that he was invincible.

Volunteer Jim Lynagh died during the attack on Loughgall barracks on 8^th May 1987. All who knew him were saddened at his death and still feel the loss, but the memory of his smile, and stories and wise cracks can't help but bring on a smile.