éirígí Newry: NEWRY TRAGEDY REMEMBERED ON CHRISTMAS EVE

NEWRY TRAGEDY REMEMBERED ON CHRISTMAS EVE

On Thursday (December 24), the socialist republican party éirígí commemorated the deaths of two IRA volunteers, Eddie Grant and Brendan Quinn, in the Derrybeg estate in Newry. Both young men tragically lost their lives on active service on Christmas Eve in 1973 in a premature explosion which also claimed the life of Aubrey Harshaw.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, éirígí’s Newry representative Stephen Murney paid tribute to both men. He said, “At Christmas, most people would think of spending time with their families and loved ones. Given the circumstances that prevailed in 1973, Eddie and Brendan found themselves on active service fighting on behalf of the Republican struggle.

“During an operation in Monaghan Street, an improvised explosive device which they were handling detonated prematurely resulting in the deaths of both young volunteers. Tragically, the same bomb also claimed the life of a civilian.”

Murney continued, “Eddie Grant, Brendan Quinn and Aubrey Harshaw all died on that terrible December night. Three families were to suffer tragic news on that Christmas Eve. Most tragically of all, the eldest of the three was only eighteen years of age.”

Continuing Stephen said, “Their deaths were a result of the injustices which arose from the partition of our country and the partition of our people. Over four decades later, the partition of this island and its people still remain unresolved.

“As we approach the centenary of 1916 next year, there is a clear onus on all Republicans to ensure that the age old struggle for national, political and social liberation can find new ways, means and methods by which to secure that same republic for which young people, like Brendan and Eddie, so willingly sacrificed their lives.”

http://eirigi.org/2015/12/25/newry-tragedy-remembered-on-christmas-eve/