|
I
welcome the call from
the O'Hara family to the Provos seeking an apology
for the latter's past treatment of republican socialists
especially Ireland's martyred revolutionaries Patsy
O'Hara and Michael Divine. I could never understand
why this was not sought earlier especially in the
light of the allegation that Martin McGuinness once
referred to the two INLA volunteers as merely 'scum'.
Perhaps
in the light of the revelations that the Provisional
Movement was infiltrated by British Intelligence,
so much so that it has become a part of the British
occupation strategy in Ireland, has enlightened the
leadership of the Republican Socialist Movement. Thus,
killing once and for all the naivety of some of the
RSM's supporters that possible future co- operation
with the Provos could advance the national liberation
struggle.
It
would appear that the RSM has sadly slipped up when
one reads of the Provo organized march in Dungiven
and in Park, Co.Derry, recently, to commemorate the
hunger strike sacrifice of another republican socialist,
Kevin Lynch. And with the latest news that they will
commemorate the sacrifice of Mickey Devine in the
centre of Derry without consulting or inviting representatives
of the RSM shows the utter and contemptible arrogance
of the Provisional leadership.
At
this time of commemoration of the hunger strikers
I offer a number of verses in appreciation of those
who were my fellow citizens and friends.
Patsy
and Michael - Two Young Derry Martyrs
(To
the memory of Patsy O Hara and Michael Devine)
Tell
me why people are gathering
In Derry's little streets
What is their conversation
As solemnly they meet
Why are the shops closed
In the drizzling rain
Break the news, break it softly
There are martyrs coming home.
It was not the field of battle
Both willing to face with pride
Where the sounds of guns rattle
That our martyred heroes died
But in the dreaded H-blocks
They found an early tomb
With the bravery of Cu Chulainn
Two young Derry lads went home.
Hear the march of our people
With faces sad and pale
Hear the steady foot and the solemn
And the piper's plaintive wail
Hoist the Tri- colour to half-mast
Above the muffled drum
For the gloom around is now cast
Our martyrs are coming home.
Make their graves upon the hilltop
Where they played in days gone by
Fire volley oe'r the graveside
Where our martyred soldiers lie-
Oh! let's not forget their sacrifice
And when the call shall surely come
Let us bravely serve the cause
Of those martyrs now at home!
Do
Their Memories Remain Evergreen?
In the homes of republican Derry
Do memories remain evergreen
Of Michael's determined demeanour
And Patsy With the smile so serene.
To the cause of James Connolly
They adhered - two brave
Working class volunteers-
And they were buried
With the Plough' around them
Parallel with the fall of our tears
They gave all that they treasured
Including the great gift of life
For an Ireland where the poor
And the neglected would experience
What's expected by right
And yet there are some of our people
Ignorant of the nobility of their deaths
As if it is true of the prophet
To be ignored in the place of his birth
But we shall never forget them
While each dawn follows each night
Even if there are but a few...
For the seed which they have planted
Will in time make our nation anew.
Index: Current Articles + Latest News and Views + Book Reviews +
Letters + Archives
|
