Volunteers Eddie Grant and Brendan Quinn

Óglach Edward Grant Killed in Action 24th December, 1973

Charles Edward Grant (better known as Eddie), was born on the 16th August 1956 in Newry. He had six sisters, Margie, Sheila, Josephine, Patsy, Bernie, Maureen and four brothers, Michael, Sean, Martin and Paul.

His father Dominic and the rest of the family experienced personal grief when at the young age of 43, his wife Kitty died suddenly. This put immense pressure on the family as a whole with Eddie's sister Margie stepping into a mother's role.

Eddie lived at Main Avenue, Derrybeg. He attended St. Patrick's Primary School and then went to Newry High School on the Ashgrove Road. On leaving school he went to work at the FMC meat factory on the Warrenpoint Road. This was a stop-gap while waiting to join the Merchant Navy. Prior to the outbreak of the "troubles", Eddie, like many others at that time joined the T.A. Cadets which was based on the Downshire Road and gained some valuable military experience.

Nicknamed "Starchy" by his mates, he was best known in Derrybeg as a raker, always up to devilment. He grew up with a group of friends who also took the same decision to join the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann. They went on to become a very effective fighting unit.

He enjoyed all outdoor pursuits, especially camping. He joined St. Catherine's Band playing the cymbals.

Eddie came from an old republican family. His cousin Paul Smith died at Edentubber and his uncle John McEnerney was a Vice-Commandant of the 4th Northern Division IRA. When Eddie first decided to give his services to the cause, he attended a few Republican Clubs meetings with friends, but he soon decided that his loyalty lay with what were known as the "Provisionals". No task was too great; he was always willing to volunteer for active service

On the 24th December 1973, Eddie and his comrade Brendan Quinn were killed in a premature explosion at Clarke's Bar on Monaghan St. Unfortunately a civilian was also to die with the two Volunteers.

The memories he left behind are very precious to his family, friends and comrades.

Ar dheis Láimh Dé go raibh a anam.

Óglach Brendan Quinn Killed in Action 24th December, 1973

Brendan Quinn was born in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry on 10th June 1955. His parents Tommy and Eileen were from South Armagh and he was the third oldest of five children.

With his brother Tom and sisters Margaret, Ann, Deidre and Teresa, Brendan was part of a tight knit family unit. Proud of its cultural tradition, it was also steeped in republican history. His grandfather James Quinn from Fountain Street, Bessbrook was a member of the Fourth Northern Division, IRA and was arrested following an attack on Camloch RIC Barracks. James's sister, Nan Quinn, was a member of Cumann na mBan. It was she who taught Brendan both history and dancing lessons.

Brendan attended St Joseph's Primary School, Cloughreagh and finished at St Paul's High School. He left school at 15 and worked at J&J Foods, Newry before moving to the meat factory for a short spell. He frequented the old Bosco in Linenhall Square and befriended Sean McKenna Snr, a well-known republican.

Brendan joined the Paul Smith Sinn Fein Cumann, selling "Republican News" every week. He would continue his paper run every Sunday in Carlingford. He joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann at 17, committed to breaking the link with England. Sincere in his republican beliefs, he proved to be a fearless soldier and a disciplinarian. Three weeks before his death, Brendan had to go on the run. But in true family tradition, he returned with the intention of spending Christmas with them. On Christmas Eve morning he left home in Cloughreagh, never to return alive.

On 24th December 1973, Brendan died along with his comrade Eddie Grant in a premature explosion in Clarke's Bar (now known as the Armagh Down) in Monaghan Street. A customer was also tragically killed. Brendan is buried in the Republican Plot in Carrickcruppen beside a fellow comrade, Raymond McCreesh, who died on hunger-strike less than seven years later.

Ar dheis Láimh Dé go raibh a anam.