50th Anniversary Of IRA Volunteer Shot Dead By SAS Told “We Best Honour The Past By Building A Future Worthy Of It”.
The large attendance at the 50th anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Peter Cleary, were told by Donegal TD Pearse Docherty that the event was not simply an act of remembrance but also an act of renewal and that we best honour the past by building a future worthy of it.
Peter Cleary was shot dead on the 15th of April whilst unarmed and a prisoner by the SAS near Forkhill.
The Sinn Féin TD giving the oration at the poignant and reflective event told those present,
“We remember Peter Cleary as a young man shaped by his time – but also as someone who helped shape that time.
Born into a large family, rooted in community, he joined the struggle when demands for basic civil rights were met with repression.
He rose to become a key figure in the IRA’s South Armagh Brigade – through commitment, discipline, and belief in Irish freedom.
Fifty years ago, Peter was killed by the British SAS – the first victim of their deployment in Ireland.
His killing was part of a wider policy to break the spirit of a people who would not yield.
But they did not succeed.
They did not succeed because of people like Peter Cleary, and because of communities like this one.
Today, we honour Peter – and all who stood with him – not only with words, but with purpose.
And it is that purpose we must carry forward”.
Pearse continued,
“Reflecting on Peter Cleary’s life reminds us that the path to where we stand now was not easy.
It was marked by sacrifice.
By loss.
By hardship endured by families and communities across this island.
We think of Peter’s family – his parents Hugh and Mary, his brothers, and sisters, all who loved him.
Their loss is immeasurable.
And we acknowledge that.
We think also of Peter’s son – Young Peter – who lost his own life tragically approximately 30 years ago.
The greatest tribute we can pay to Peter Cleary and all his comrades is to continue the work for which they struggled.
Through political struggle.
Through persuasion.
Through building support for a new constitutional future – and a new economic model that serves the many, not the few.
And that work is advancing”.
The Sinn Féin elected representative told those gathered to remember and honour Peter Cleary that “we best honour the past by building a future worthy of it”.
He said,
“The conversation on Irish unity is growing – broadening, becoming mainstream.
And we must build it with respect, openness, and a willingness to listen – especially to those who do not share our tradition but share our desire for a better future.
Because the Ireland we seek must belong to all who live here – a home where everyone has a real stake in its future and its wealth”.
Concluding Pearse told the large gathering in Belleek south Armagh,
“Fifty years on, the name of Peter Cleary still resonates in South Armagh.
Not just as memory – but as inspiration.
To stand firm against injustice.
To believe change is possible.
To continue the journey towards a united, equal, sovereign Ireland.
Let us go forward with determination and hope to build an Ireland worthy of the sacrifices made.
An Ireland worthy of Peter Cleary.
An Ireland fit for all our people”.
Ends
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