|
 Over
500 people gathered in Cullyhanna last
Thursday to bid farewell bid a final
farewell to Republican leader Brian Keenan.
The lifelong Irish Republican, who had been
ill for some time, resided in the village of
Cullyhanna. His remains left his home in the
village and was taken to the Michael Mc
Verry monument, where local Councillor
Colman Burns presided over the ceremony.
 South
Armagh Republican Sean Hughes speaking on
behalf of the Republican movement in south
Armagh told the large crowd that Brian
Keenan was a unique individual and a
Republican icon. “He was admired and looked
up to by Republicans all over the world. By
his actions and his words he reflected and
could articulate exactly what we as
Republicans stand for” said Sean and he
continued “A Volunteer in Oglaigh na
hEireann since the late 1960's he was multi
talented fulfilled many roles and held many
positions and spent the majority of that
time in the leadership of the Army. He was
instrumental in bringing the war to mainland
Britain in the 1970's and spent 14 years in
English gaols he also served prison
sentences in the South and led the escape
from Portlaois in 1975 when Volunteer Tom
Smith was killed. He himself was shot and
injured on that day”.
Sean told those present
 that
Brian Keenan was a man of great wisdom and
vision and a progressive
thinker with an instinctive ability to bring
a realism and practicality to any given
situation. “He personified struggle living
his life and leading as a committed and
uncompromising revolutionary Republican.
He knew that for struggle to be successful
you have to bring the people with you and be
able to adapt to any changing political
situation. He believed just as Connolly
believed in constitutional action in normal
times, in revolutionary action in
exceptional times. He brought clarity to the
purpose of our struggle constantly reminding
Volunteers during the armed campaign that
they were never gun men for nationalism and
that Oglaigh na hEireann had to serve as the
Army of the people. His charisma and fierce
energy enthused those around him. Brian has
had a long association with South Armagh
first coming here in the 1970's as a
leadership figure.
 He
helped in the organisation and the
development of the area during that period
and indeed he was instrumental in setting up
the Barney / Morris Sinn Fein Cumann in
Crossmaglen at that time. Over the years he
maintained a strong connection with us and
built up many close friendships which have
continued until this day. One of the things
he requested I do on his behalf was to
convey his heartfelt thanks and appreciation
to the local movement, his friends and
comrades for the support they have given him
and the kindness shown to him during his
time with us. We in South Armagh have
benefited from Brian living amongst us. He
has unselfishly shared with us his vast
knowledge
and his great experience”.
Those present were told that the deceased
man had embraced the present republican
strategy. “Brian realised that now is the
most complex and difficult phase of our
struggle as he often said himself this
generation of Republicans having fought the
war must now win the peace. He clearly
understood the direction of our strategy and
the necessity for all the initiatives taken
by the Republican movement. He had the
foresight to recognise that there would be
many challenging times ahead but possessed
the nerve and the confidence in his own
republicanism to meet and overcome these
challenges”.
 The
south Armagh republican concluded by stating
“Brian's death ends an era but not his life
work he has left us all much to do. That is
to achieve the Republic to which he aspired.
We must face this task with the same
tenacity and energy as Brian did. We need to
organise educate and agitate and build the
Sinn Fein organisation the length and breath
of Ireland. We have lost a true friend and
Comrade”.
"A good friend and steadfast republican" -
Conor Murphy MP
Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy on behalf
of Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin also extended
his sincerest condolences to the Keenan
family. The MP stated that whilst Brian had
been ill for many years, news of his death
had come as a great shock to republicans
throughout Ireland and beyond. Conor said
that Brian had been a formidable republican
leader over 40 years of activism.
“He was a man of tremendous energy even in
the face of a debilitating illness. He was a
deeply committed socialist and trade
unionist who was enormously influenced in
his youth by the writings of Connolly and
Mellows” and he continued "Brian Keenan's
strong endorsement of the Sinn Fein peace
strategy was crucial in securing the support
of the IRA leadership for the series of
historic initiatives which sustained the
peace process through its most difficult
times. Brian Keenan's dedication to the
republican struggle was unswerving. His
working class politics and his republican
and socialist principles were his constant
guide through four decades of unstinting
effort on behalf of republicanism”.
The MP referred to a recent series of
interviews in An Phoblacht. “Brian spoke of
the imperative 'at a time of great change'
to 'constantly lay out the republican
vision. We need to constantly remind people
we are for liberty, equality, fraternity. We
are against exploitation and inequality.' He
urged republicans to 'look at the
opportunities that are there to move the
struggle forward to reunification and
independence'.
Conor concluded by stating “Brian Keenan was
a good friend and gifted and steadfast
republican. He made an incalculable
contribution to the republican struggle.
Brain will be greatly missed by his family
and friends and by the many republicans who
over the years have been touched by his
generosity, friendship, and humour." |
