Sunday 13 December 2015

éirígí: Newry’s Egyptian Arch Ambush Recalled

Saturday morning [December 12] saw éirígí activists remember three Republican soldiers who lost their lives during an ambush on British troops at the Egyptian Arch in Newry in 1920.

In the now annual event, tribute was paid to Volunteers John Francis O’Hare, William Canning and Peter Shields and a wreath was laid in their honour beside a commemorative plaque  erected by the socialist republican party several years ago.



Speaking at Saturday morning’s event, éirígí's Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said, "Today marks the 95th anniversary of this historic event. Tragically three volunteers were to lose their lives when they ambushed British forces.

"Earlier, Republican volunteers had attacked the RIC barracks in Camlough in an attempt to draw British reinforcements out from Newry and into a pre-planned ambush at the Egyptian Arch.

"Despite the task they faced, the volunteers willingly and bravely engaged the enemy on that cold December night. William Canning was fatally injured at the ambush scene and both Peter Shields  and  John Francis O’Hare later died as a result of wounds they received at the time.”

Murney concluded by saying, “Those who fought and gave their lives at this spot ninety five years ago did not do so for a partitionist settlement nor did they die in order for British rule to be administered through a puppet parliament at Stormont."


No comments:

Post a Comment