Several hundred people attended this morning’s annual commemoration in memory of IRA Volunteer Raymond McCreesh, who died on hunger strike 45 years ago.
The Camlough man died on 21 May 1981 after 61 days on hunger strike.
Among those attending the 45th anniversary commemoration were members of the McCreesh family, comrades, friends and neighbours of the young Camlough man, who died aged 24.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy chaired the event at the graveside of the hunger striker.
He told those present:
“We gather here to remember Raymond and also his H-Block comrade Patsy O’Hara. Both died on 21 May after 61 days on hunger strike.
This annual commemoration, organised by the Raymond McCreesh Memorial Committee, holds a special place in all our hearts as we gather with Raymond’s family and friends to respectfully pay tribute to the sacrifice made by Raymond and his comrades who died on hunger strike.”
Earlier, the large crowd made its way from the monument in Camlough village dedicated to Raymond McCreesh and his fellow comrades who died on hunger strike, to St Malachy’s graveyard where the ceremony took place.
The main speaker at the commemoration was veteran Irish Republican and former POW Jim Gibney, who in 1981 served as a member of the National H-Block/Armagh Committee and acted as a liaison for the hunger strikers.
Addressing the crowd, Jim said:
“Raymond and his comrades were ordinary young men and women who rose to the challenge of the extraordinary times they lived in.
His death was, and remains, a tragic blow to his family and a huge loss to the Republican Movement. He will always be remembered as a heroic and selfless young person, and I hope his memory continues to inspire future generations, as it has inspired all of us gathered here today.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 