Event remembers victims from across the island of Ireland
Former Irish justice minister, Charlie Flanagan, who attended the event, says more needs to be done on the southern side of the Border to help victims
VICTIMS’ group South East Fermanagh Federation held their annual service of remembrance and thanksgiving in St Tighernach’s Church of Ireland, Clones recently in a cross community event that also brought victims of terrorism together from across the island of Ireland.
Indeed, the event was dedicated to what organisers described as “hidden victims of the Troubles in the Republic of Ireland”.
Speakers included Michael Donegan, son of Garda Insp. Samuel Donegan who shared his reflection and experiences while also giving an incredible testimony, recounting his family’s experiences of terrorism and the related trauma as well as referencing the special person his father Samuel was.
The scripture readings were by Bernie Morrissey, widow of Garda Sgt Patrick Morrissey and Edward O’neill Jnr, an injured victim and survivor of the 1974 Dublin bomb and son of Edward O’neill Snr who was murdered.
Anne Mccabe, widow of Garda Detective Jerry Mccabe, David Kelly, son of Pte Patrick Kelly, Irish Defence Forces and Ronan Mcgrory, an injured victim and survivor of The Omagh bombing all contributed to the prayers at the service.
Kenny Donaldson, SEFF’S Director of Services stated: “On Sunday [October 2] over 200 people attended, among them were Minister Heather Humphreys, Charlie Flanagan TD, SDLP, DUP, Ulster Unionist, Alliance, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Irish Labour representatives. The Chief Superintendent of An Garda Siochana covering Cavan, Monaghan and Louth was also in attendance.”
Speaking after the event, former justice and foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said the Irish government can do more to look after Troubles victims living in the state.
He said: “I think that there is more work we can do on this side of the border in terms of looking after our victims.
“I have been in touch with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, I have spoken to senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs. And, yes, I do believe that there are gaps in the system.”
Referencing a 1990s commission by the Irish government on the needs of victims, he added: “Much of that work was actually stood down and it seemingly expired during the early years of this century,” he said.
“I believe it’s important that we review that and we revisit that because there are circumstances of hardship and suffering that we need to be aware of.”
He also hit out at the British government’s current legacy plan, calling for changes to their unsatisfactory “unilateral action”.
Kenny Donaldson added: “The Service offered an opportunity for solidarity to be demonstrated with innocent victims and survivors based across the Republic of Ireland, this group of individuals have been marginalised and often overlooked. It is the case that those impacted by ‘The Troubles’ and living in the Republic of Ireland have been disadvantaged from accessing particular schemes, services and reparations.
“A message was conveyed loud and clear on Sunday by all contributors that the Irish State need to do better, it is not enough to merely quality proof what the UK State brings forward on victims or indeed legacy.
“SEFF is clear that them’uns and us’uns is not determined by denominational religion or someone’s position on the Constitutional question, rather the them’uns are those who use criminal violence, who justify its’ use and/or who seek to be explainers for it and us’uns are those who uphold the sanctity of human life, who stand by the truth that there was never legitimacy for the use of criminal violence in the furtherance of or defence of a so-called political objective.”
SEFF would also like to recognise Rev. Roy Taylor and his Select Vestry, Joy Graham, organist; Audrey Ovens, soloist and Lyons Digital Productions who participated within today’s Service.
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I think that there is more work we can do on this side of the border in terms of looking after our victims. I have been in touch with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, I have spoken to senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs