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Vol. Martin 'Golfball' Conlon - memoirs and a tribute

category armagh | rights, freedoms and repression | news report author Monday November 14, 2005 19:27author by A Comrade Report this post to the editors

IRA - North Armagh Brigade

On thursday, 10th november as i watched the evening news i saw a report of a women who informed the viewers of how the MOD came knocking on her door delivering news that her partner had been killedby the Iraqi Resistance forces.

Damn imperialists i thought, they get what they deserve! Further more i thought how would i repond if someone came to my door to inform me that a Comrade had been killed?

The following day i was completely and uterly shocked to read on one of the Celtic e news lists that Martin Conlon had been killed in 'mysterious circumstances on Monday, 6th November.'

I would like to pay a tribute to the late Vol. Martin 'Golfball' Conlon. Golfball was a good friend, a Comrade, unrepentant in every sense of the word, a true Republican.

When i first met Golfball the first thing i asked him, why Golfball? He smilled and stated, 'i used to take Golfball's from the course and sell them!'.

I knew Golfball for probably over a decade, taking part in political actvities, music sessions (usually for the cause of the POW's) and a few beers. On his visit to the Bloody Sunday Commemoration in London in the mid '90's, the branch asked why he was visiting London. He replied, 'a drinking session for the weekend, what else'! When asked the same question on his return he repeated the statement. 'Oh said the branch, how then we have these photos of you on the
parade with ya pals'!

Golfball was a steward at the large London meeting which hosted Gerry Adams as the chief guest. As far as i remember this was the same weekend as the Bloody Sunday Commemoration.... the following day, Sunday.

Golfball was passionate and active in the Republican struggle, through and through. We discussed many things over the years. I may have or not have agreed with everything he said or done, but i now understand that when he said 'i will be a Republican till the day i die', he meant it.

Golfball was tireless, an active Republican all his life. He was arrested on several occasions for his activities as an active Volunteer in the then (Provisional) IRA - North Armagh Brigade. He disapproved of the position of Sinn Féin / PIRA, not so much the ceasefire as far as i could work out, but the dismantling of the Movement and subsequent involvement in british state institutions as a result of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA). One must always remember the line, i think Che Guevara stated it that 'during setbacks and crises, it is always important to maintain a nucleous of activists to resume the struggle at a given point'. So Golfball did, tried hard with unselfish Republican and Revolutionary spirit, never yielding for one moment!

Golfball was arrested whilst training Volunteers in f irearms in County Meath
and served years in Portlaoise prison. One can ask questions, discuss and debate regarding why Volunteers left the PIRA and wished to continue the struggle. Whatever you think whilst reading this, Volunteers like Golfball where never selfish, they simply wanted to continue the struggle, reorganise the movement and fight the brits! He sincerely believed in the right to organise and struggle till the Republic was won.

He didn't believe in some half baked measures, [not as some british leftists
who never lifted a finger in support of the Irish struggle when the PIRA where spearheading it, only to become Sinn Féiners all of a sudden at the time when it was 'safe' to support Sinn Féin in the absence of armedstruggle.] If it's the 'duty of the Working Class and Oppressed to deal death blows to the ruling class in each country' as british leftists 'claim', how then the don't support
Republicans struggling to rebuild the Revolutionary Movement in Ireland? We
discussed these issues and we recognised mutually that as when the PIRA had limited supporters amongst the left in britain during years of struggle, thesame will again be in this situation. Golfball stated that all the Prisoner's in Portlaoise and Maghaberry were proud of the few who campaigned tirelessly for the Prisoners, albeit few in number as represented in britain by the Irish
Political Status Committee and others.

We discussed Omagh on several occasions. The possibility of brit dirty work / infiltration into the Active Service Unit (ASU) has not only 'diminished', but has now (and more than likely) been a proven fact. 'Remember the PIRAbomb at camden tube station amongst other actions', said Golfball. The PIRA claimed it, but who really knows who and which forces where at work on that day, 'planting it in the middle of your support base, the Irish with limbs missing!!' Hence Omagh springs to mind, a town in a strong Republican County (Tyrone).

Golfball insisted that i should read 'Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh', by Toby Harnden. 'You should definately read the book, i was involved in many of the operations in Armagh'!, he said. 'You can tell people once i'm dead', so i am. He also reminded me how the brits had sent abullet to him through the post. 'Be careful he said, and remember to leave car doors open when
you switch on the engine'. He was very wise.

Golfball's expertise in the Republican struggle was once again put to good use. 'Irish free state' intelligence hearded a group of Volunteers to Portlaoise prison once again. There the struggle resumed despite beatings and isolation. Republican handcrafts were made and sent to a function to Commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising supported by the Irish in Britain Representation Group, together with a fitting statement of 'ones right of even a respectable minority to continue the struggle'.

Britain continues its dirty tricks and black propaganda. Over the centuries, during the past phase of struggle and are using their agents within our communities to do their dirty work as expressed by the murderof Golfball. Golfball'smurder was indeed tragic. Criminals, agents of british imperialism
in ireland carried this out. When these actions are (mostly) behind closed doors, we can only use our consiousness and understanding to work out what happened.

* The CIRA's statement that Golfball was not an agent of any sort is valid.

* The CIRA's statement that 'all anti GFA Republican groups get on well in Armagh' is also valid.

* Golfball was a tireless Republican all his life, very modest and true. I know this as a fact!

* Golfball disliked hoods and criminals of every description. He would have done everything to develop the Movement in Ireland!

So who was behind this act ofmurder? In Ireland we have two camps. The british camp and the Irish. This is the principle contradiction and is yet to be resolved. Taking this basic principle into consideration, enemies of Ireland carried this out!

It looks like Republicans continue to be eliminated from the scene. At one time it was'shoot-to-kill', now black propaganda combined with the on line spooks, spreading rumours about criminal activities, endlessly sowing confusion amongst the people. Will the mur derers of Golfball be found? Very much doubt it!

The usual dribble of RUC / PSNI, 'please come forward if you have any news', the usual PR spin..

The branch may laugh, Republicans and all genuine anti imperialists who read this will have a better understanding of the nature of Golfball. I have expressed only a few memories of Martin 'Golfball' Conlon. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and Comrades.

Martin 'Golfball' Conlon was buried in Armagh on Saturday, 12th November, which would have been his 36th Birthday in a military Republican funeral. It's what he would have wanted.

To those who read these few lines, please pay respect to Golfball. To those who stand by the GFA and whether you knew Golfball or not, respect his role as an active PIRA Volunteer during the struggle. To those who oppose the GFA, repect this late Volunteer who attempted to rebuild the Republican Movement.

Martin 'Golfball' Conlon, a true IRA Volunteer, North ArmaghBrigade!

A true fighter to the end and expert Sniper!

Remembered always!

" You may kill the Revolutionary, but never the Revolution"!

author by Concernedpublication date Thu Nov 17, 2005 16:28author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Five people have now been arrested in connection with the death of Martin Conlon in County Armagh. Two men, aged 30 and 36, were arrested in the Armagh area on Thursday whilst a 35-year-old man was detained in Dungannon.

A 30-year-old woman and a teenage boy who were detained in the Armagh area on Wednesday are also being questioned.

Mr Conlon, 35, from Railway Street in the city, was found shot at Farnaloy Road outside Keady on 7 November.

Police said a homo-phobic motive was one line of inquiry. They are also looking at whether he was killed by dissident republicans, with whom he was linked.

Mr Conlon was released recently from prison in the Republic of Ireland where he had served a four year sentence after being arrested at a Real IRA training camp.

Detectives returned to the scene on Monday to stage a partial reconstruction in a bid to piece together the circumstances surrounding the murder and identify new witnesses.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4443922.stm

author by Curiouspublication date Thu Nov 17, 2005 16:39author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Of course 'A comrade' knew it was them. Tell me 'A comrade' did they kill Danny McGurk as well? Like f**k they did.

author by Barrypublication date Thu Nov 17, 2005 17:02author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Why are you so concerned about the death of the butcher McGurk , a notorious knife weilding psychopath ?

What has that got to do with the murder of Martin Conlon in as yet unexplained and very mysterious circumstances ?

author by Lenapublication date Thu Nov 17, 2005 17:35author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Nothing like the revolutionary pure. The Provo's and Sticks say/said the same about their enemy.
I expected nothing more from you - to quote someone else "murder is negotiable, determined by who is murdered and who is murdering."

author by Barrypublication date Thu Nov 17, 2005 18:40author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A few years prior to his death Danny McGurk led a gang who one night armed themselves with knives , swords and hatchets . They went to the door of a young man named Kevin Taylor in the Lower Falls . They knocked on his door and .pretended to be from the PIRA to gain entry . Once inside they literally hacked young Taylor to death . The fatal blow that killed Kevin Taylor was from a long sharpened screwdiver that entered his brain through his eyeball . It was still embedded in his eye socket when his body was found . The man who led that gang to Kevin Taylors door and plunged that screwdriver into his brain was Danny McGurk . He served 6 years for manslaughter over that brutal killing .

He was notorious throughout the lower falls as an individual who once he took a dislike to you in his head would not hesitate to stab you , bite your ear off our gouge an eye out . He had done exactly this to a number of people unfortunate enough to cross his path . As well as viciously murdering one .

Prior to his death McGurk attempted to gain entry to a Prisoners charity night in the Lower Falls . Unsurprisingly given his reputation he was refused admission . Enraged at this perceived affront he attempted to assault the young girls who had denied him entry and was turfed out on his ear .

Days later he armed himself with a samurai sword and went prowling the Falls in search of people he believed were "dissidents" and loudly and publicly vowed in the bars he was searching for them he would deal with them , one by one , whilst brandishing his weapon openly . Anyone who knew him remotely knows he did not intend to engage in a bout of fisticuffs and was well capable of murder . He was a vicious psychopathic thug and his intent was very clear .

The next day he was shot in a punishment style attack . Although shot in the legs one round entered his lower back and killed him . Personally speaking Im not at all surprised if any person under this level of violent threat from that psychopath decided to put him out of action before he got to them . And only an idiot brings a knife to a gunfight , but a fight of his own choosing .

Danny McGurk wasnt killed because of political opinions , money , control or any such matters as concerned stickies , provies , "dissidents" etc . He was a vicious killer who took it into his deranged head to go in search a victim . But this time the victim was well capable of fighting back and he came off worse . Thats just called tough shit .

Now , this thread is about a murder of a former political prisoner that both the PSNI and Sinn Fein have been deliberately misleading the public over . Both the PSNI and Sinn Fein have been making press announcements about this abduction and murder that have since proven totally false and deliberately mischeivous . Id appreciate it that this thread is not derailed any further .

Unless that is some one wants to start a "Justice for Lenny Murphy" campaign as well ?

author by hurricanepublication date Fri Nov 18, 2005 14:59author address author phone Report this post to the editors

rest in peace oh dear brother rest in peace
let the innonence of your soul be healed
your life was your honor day by day
your choice was only yours to make
to live according to your inner law
the hearts in which you live will soar
and you too will soar to a safe keeping
god rest your precious soul till we meet again

author by hurricanepublication date Fri Nov 18, 2005 15:00author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The green rays of Ireland are entwined in your souls
No matter what they teach you about yourselves
The green rays are the healing rays for the world
No matter what they teach you about yourselves
The green rays are made in the soul of Ireland
Nothing can destroy the soul of the language
The soul of the land is held in every nook and cranny
You are the breath of the green healing ray.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 18, 2005 15:37author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;
Dream of battled fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.
In our isle's enchanted hall,
Hands unseen thy couch are strewing,
Fairy strains of music fall,
Every sense in slumber dewing.
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more:
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Morn of toil, nor night of waking.

By Walter Scott

author by Harry Dpublication date Wed Nov 23, 2005 21:34author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Oh Golfball you always went straight down the middle.

I loved your fair ways, you were never on the fiddle.

You spent your time in the bunkers and lived with no fear-

whether they were filled up with sand, or freedom fighting gear.

So farewell dear comrade, your feats shall not pall -

for to us, a hole in one,
is a hole in us all

author by Aidenpublication date Thu Nov 24, 2005 17:14author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I would like to pay tribute to Harry D's modern, but quite moving memorial poem to Martin Conlon. It isn't you can pull this off with words but I think Harry D has captured the essense of Martin's life and struggle which ended so tragically for us all.

author by Harry Dpublication date Thu Nov 24, 2005 17:29author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Re: Golfball - you couldn't have putt it better Aiden. I sincerely hope that this tribute wasn't below par.

author by Peter Allispublication date Thu Nov 24, 2005 17:36author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A little Birdie told me that you don't need Eagle eyes to know that a Bogey like golfball was an Albatross around the neck of Ireland.

author by Harry Dpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:14author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Must have been the wearing of the green

author by Aidenpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:28author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I hope that these are not flippant comments about the tragic death of Martin Conlon. His death is a handicap to us all.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:38author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Have your laugh. No one will ever remember you. Martin Conlons name will still be revered by Republicans 100 years from now.

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:51author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The man concerned might well be revered by Republicans, but not by many others. Therein lies the problem. Republicans have been a minority of the whole Irish people throughout the conflict, and a minority among Northern nationalists for most of it (certainly when their military campaign was being waged). It is absolutely impossible for a military struggle to succeed in such conditions. Note: this is a different argument as to whether they have the 'right 'to abrogate to themselves the 'right' to do this or not - it refers to the practicality of their struggle. Indeed, the eventual wind up of the IRA campaign would suggest that people gradually - if slowly - absorbed this point.

I have yet to read a clear statement from those who describe themselves as unrepentent Republicans (ie slow learners) as to why they think the campaign failed. Is it really all down to the treachery of one or two leaders? But if so, of what value is a struggle that is so easily derailed?

No, the fact is that 'Golfball's' struggle was an exercise in futility from beginning to end. It is best to recognise this and move on, rather than have future generations squander their youth and their lives in a similar manner.

author by POET LAURETpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 13:24author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Oh golfball you had some flaws
Killing and beating for your cause
You believed in the 'RA and the fight was true
Got betrayed by Adams, more fool you.

Your cause was never right
cause its tactic, a part of a fight
to unite Ireland seen as land
what you never could understand

Is that Ireland will only be free
when capitalism is driven to the sea
your bravado wasn't for me
it didn't set anyone free

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 13:24author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I am sure that you feel better after getting that off your chest. You have said nothing new and no one will remember you.

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 14:16author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Hebe - I'm not interested in being remembered. What's posterity ever done for me? But I am interested in not wasting my time or my life. New or not, the points I made were ones that you and your colleagues seem incapable of actually addressing. Which is one of the reasons you are slow learners - you refuse to think.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 14:31author address author phone Report this post to the editors

You are wasting your time here. I've heard it all before put much more elequently than your feeble attempts.

author by Christy O'Connorpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 14:33author address author phone Report this post to the editors

That's it hebe you told him.
Looks like our anti-nationalist friend is right you can't think nor for that matter debate.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 14:38author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I will debate the subject with other Republicans but I have nothing other than contempt for those who make jokes about a dead man.

author by Amusedpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 15:16author address author phone Report this post to the editors

That's sure to bring a United Ireland closer only debating your thoughts with other republicans.

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 15:30author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Hebe - There were no jokes about Golfball in my little piece! The issue of futile sacrifice is one that I find too scary and important for that. I just made some points that you don't want to/ can't debate.

People who only debate with those who mostly agree with them are usually those with closed minds..... Not an edifying spectacle.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 15:30author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I am talking about this thread. I wont debate with the cowardly renegades who are cracking jokes at the expense of a dead man. I doubt if you have ever met with Loyalists to talk about what divides us and what we have in common. I have.

author by Harry Dpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 16:19author address author phone Report this post to the editors

What have I reneged on?

I'd rather make "cowardly" jokes about dead eejits than cowardly plant bombs in shopping streets.

author by Hebepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 16:29author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Your unwillingness to condemn bombings carried out by the OIRA has been noted on other threads. Are you prepared to condemn Army and RUC atrocities in the Six Counties? Or even condemn the actions of Her Majestys Forces in Iraq?

author by Barrypublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 17:04author address author phone Report this post to the editors

personally speaking someone sitting behind a computer mocking one of their fellow countrymen who had his head blown off with a shotgun only a fortnight ago just isnt worth debating with . And after penning tatseless nonsense like above they actually expect people to debate with them ?

Martin Conlons life was one of genuine struggle against colonialism in this country and against enormous odds . He wasnt afraid to face those odds . The people mocking him here have never , and will never possess the moral fortitude to see any struggle through . Their posts have demonstrated that amply . They are useless , which is why their nonsense about ending capitalism is useless and moronic . Its just a slogan and a pose . The reality is simply inane chatter and noise . And that is all they will ever do . It is all they have ever done .

They dont possess the fibre or character in their beings to fight any system . They are posers , messers and charlatans . They have no backbone , they are cowards and a waste of space . Throughout Europe and further afield leftists and communists are jailed , beaten , shot, tortured and on hungerstrike . The reason being they are serious about fighting capitalism and capitalism has responded in its usual manner . Their imprisoned young men and women instinctively identify with the Martin Conlons of this world rather than the useless spineless dross which comprises Irelands "revolutionary left " .

We know this because they write to our prisoners and invite our representatives to their seminars and conferences . They have examined and debated with us our position in depth and are convinced we are genuine in what we are about . Any idiot knows it is the first responsibility of socialisnm and communism to put an end to colonialism , but not the clowns in this country .

How many of Irelands "leftists" are in jail for their beliefs ? None . How many have been jailed in the last 80 years for fighting capitalism ? What hardships do they suffer , what dangers , what sacrifices ? None at all . As far as I can remember there was an argument about bins , some people got a week or 2 , thats about the height of it . When was the last capitalist politician in this country who went on tv to warn the public of the dangers leftist groups posed to Ireland and warned parents to keep their children away ? Doesnt happen , because they pose no threat to capitalism , colonialism or anyone else . And those little schoolboy odes above tell us why that is . Messers, posers and little naughty schoolboys . Feckin useless to their watery backbones .

Martin Conlon dedicated his short life to confronting the most base form of capitalism in this country - armed colonialism . He was known outside of this country by genuine leftists as a fellow revolutionary , leftists who actively support the overthrow of capitalism and colonialism and pay a price for that stand .

Carry on with the poetry as Ill be linking the shite above to genuine leftists abroad to let them know the mentality of Irelands revolutionary anti capitalists , too gutless to even identify what political group they belong to .

author by Right Back at youpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 17:09author address author phone Report this post to the editors

"personally speaking someone sitting behind a computer mocking one of their fellow countrymen who had his head blown off with a shotgun only a fortnight ago just isnt worth debating with ."

Unless his name his Danny McGurk (or whoever is on your legitimate target list) but sure you are God you know who deserves to live and die.

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:00author address author phone Report this post to the editors

My political activism consists (mostly) these days of voting - ever heard of it? It is highly recommended.

In any event, any rational person could see that the point really is that the onus is on those who justify killing and bombing (either in the past or present), when they admit they are in a minority, to produce some evidence along the lines of - this might actually work. Followed by: our objective is worth a few thousand dead. Barry, the onus is on you, not those who don't hold that view. Have you any obligation to justify yourself to the Irish people? To explain your ideology? Or are you so God-like right that this escapes you?

But your post is inadvertently interesting - not for anything you say (you actually say nothing) but because of what you show about the republican mindset.

And what is that? It is:

We are right because we say so
We have no need to explain or justify ourselves, to anyone, ever
It doesn't matter if we never convince anyone - we have the right to behave like this even if there is only one of us, and sure we can shoot anyone who disagrees anyway
And it doesn't matter whether our tactics can succeed or not - we are willing to die for our beliefs, and to go to jail for them, so you should be willing to die for our beliefs too, and isn't more important that whether we can succeed or not?

Not a hint f inbtrospection or doubt on your part (typical of a blind fanatic). Not a shadow or scintilla of the thought that - we actually failed, and really shoudl anlayse why and how, and what can be done better. In that sense, you actually have a great deal in common with those far left groups that you so clearly despise. Any chance of your address, so I can send you a mirror?

It might even be amusing - if it wasn't such a costly position for our country....

author by Barrypublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:03author address author phone Report this post to the editors

you presume a great deal , yet you know nothing . As I said , inane noise . Why not go back and write a few more poems , the reason I cant stomach the idea of debating with you .

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:08author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I make this observation: The IRA campaign failed, and was always destined to do so. Let us draw some lessons from this and find a better way forward. And let us not just glorify the idea of sacrifice when the tactics concerned will simply replicate that failure, if they are ever adopted in the future. I then ask the question, of Barry and his fellow Republicans: why not acknowledge the extent of this failure, and therefore indicate what you've learned from this and what you are going to do better. (Of course, this makes the very wild assumption that Barry can learn. I confess, I have as yet no evidence to support this assumption).

But Barry the Philosopher describes this as inane noise and cries of discussing the issues.

It could just be the noise of a man falling down and banging his empty head because he actually knows he does not have a leg to stand on.... It remains an interesting insight, though an unmintended one, into the mindset of his group fo Republican refuseniks.

author by Genuinely Interestedpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:09author address author phone Report this post to the editors

There's no doubting that are trolls on this thread but anti-nationalist is debating with you. I may be wrong but I don't see any poems by them. I could be wrong they may have been pulled by the editorial board. (Where they?)
Your last comment is juvenille, without foundation and shows you going off in a hissy fit because you can't answer the very specific questions being put to you.

author by Barrypublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:16author address author phone Report this post to the editors

That I am genuinely upset by this murder as well as remembering a murder of a close friend in very similar circumstances a few years back . Its precisely because I dont want to throw a hissy fit Im not getting into this subject at this time . Ive debated these issues at length elsewhere quite often . Its always the same - colonialism and its violence are always legitimate .

author by anti-nationalistpublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 18:29author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Barry - I never said colonialism or its violence was legitimate. Always, with you, when anyone queries the efficacy of your methods, you resort to some version of: Ahh, but what about the British? Isn't it terrible?

This is a formula for evasion - in this case, you simply cannot or will not address the issue of the futility of your chosen tactics for defeating British colonialism.

Even if we granted all your analysis of the nature of the problem, the perfidity of colonialism, that it is the major issue facing the Irish people etc - the issue would still remain: were the IRA's tactics for 30 years ever likely to succeed? And if not, should we strive to avoid them being adopted again in the future? The willingness of Republicans to die and go to jail in the sincere coinviction that they are right is not in question. But what is in question is whether these are methods are likely to get anywhere, other than a blind alley. I respectfully submit that after many decades of effort we can conclude that they aren;t.

Upset or not, Barry, you and your colleagues can't seem to get your heads around these actually quite simple issues - anytime.

author by Who did it?publication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 20:22author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Who did it, who murdered Martin, questions need answered don't they.

author by Barrypublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 21:33author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Immediately after Martin Conlons murder the PSNI and Sinn Fein came out with an identical line which was dutifully reported without question by the media , that he was murdered in a feud between the coninuity and the reals which he had formerly been a member of . This is identical to what happened when Joseph OConnor was murdered in Belfast , sinn fein and the RUC telling the same lie in unison and on you could be forgiven for thinking , on cue .

The Continuity held a press conference ( just as happened when joe oconnor was murdered and blame attached to them)denying any role in his murder at all , never mind any feud and said relations between the 2 groups in Armagh were extremely cordial and always had been . Which begs the question why this blatant lie was told in the first place .

Marion Price also came forward with a statement expressing horror at the killing . Wreaths from the IRPWA etc were taken to the funeral and republicans from both organisations attended .


Speculation from the PSNI and Sinn Fein then centred on a supposed feud between the supposed " two Real IRA factions" . There is no such thing , a number of prisoners left the real IRA in Portlaoise years ago wanting no more to do with armed struggle or the Real IRA, there is no feud , never was and I sincerely doubt there ever will be .

Despite this supposed feud I attended a 32csm commemoration for a prisoner who died in state custody ,Kiddo Murray , in Dundalk the day after Martin Conlons funeral . People who are aligned to Mr McKevitts analysis were there also , and were present in a couple of local bars that we retired to after the commemoration , no sign of any feud never mind hostility there and I was there all day as the hangover on Monday proved . Bars containing feuding factions would usually be very dangerous places to be Id imagine , especially less than a week after a feud killing . Not to mention that noone has even accused any other group of starting a feud ( except of course the PSNI and their soon to be members in Sinn Fein)

So this second theory put forward by Sinn Fein and the PSNI seems utterly ridiculous , thats 2 imaginary feuds in the space of a week . Which is exactly what was suggested after Joe OConnors murder as well , by the exact same people .

Then another theory was floated by the media that Martin Conlon was involved in a prison fall out . Again ludicrous as he was presented with a specially made Celtic harp and a send off by his fellow POWs on the day he was released , and representatives of the prisoners dept attended his funeral .

Theres another blatant lie being told then about this murder .

Mr Conlons family and friends have not pointed the finger at the reals , continuity or Mickey McKevitt . The reals gave an interview expressing their shock at the murder and said they were actively conducting an investigation to find out who actually did do it .

But now the PSNI arent saying it was a real IRA/ conto feud after all , nor is it a real IRA/ Mickey McKevitt feud either , or this or that but are instead suggesting the murder was "homophobic" . Which strikes me as very odd bearing in mind they claimed it was 3 seperate feuds a in the past weeks .

Martin Conlon was openly gay and made no bones about it , but I honestly doubt this as a motive , just as I do not believe any of the previous motives for his murder put forward by the PSNI and Sinn Fein .

Right now engaging in speculation as to who killed him mightnt be very wise as its wrong to point fingers with no proof . Although people have strong suspicions who it was .

However Id point out that on the night he was murdered 32CSM held a press conference to launch their national strategy document . There wasnt a word about that in the papers the next day .Because coincidentally that very night Martin Conlon was abducted and shot dead . The media was carrying this story instead , repeating PSNI and Sinn Fein lies instead as well as certain politicians claiming republicans opposed to them had no strategy .

Itd make you wonder .

author by Really?publication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 22:15author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Barry, do you honestly in your heart of hearts seriously believe that Martin was abducted and murdered in order to bury the launch of the 32 csm document's public release?

author by Barrypublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 22:22author address author phone Report this post to the editors

But Im saying very clearly it would not in any way be in the interests of the republicans who have been accused of murdering him to pick that very night to do it .

Republicans are investigating who did it and why . As yet nobody is 100% sure . Bearing that in mind and the Cnlons familys own request its wrong to speculate . Save to say the speculation so far has been deliberately untruthful . Why these lies have been told is worth considering Id imagine .

author by Morepublication date Fri Nov 25, 2005 22:41author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Do you think the republicans that did it, if it was republicans and it looks very much like it was, gave much thought to the 32 csm's document as they grabbed Martin?

Do you think the truth will ever come out? Will you help it to come out?

What did Martin's family request?

Do you really think the Brits did it? Or are you suggesting the Provos had a hand? What if it was his comrades?

As you seem to be close to things I wonder would you ever part ways if it turns out that his murderers are closer to home?

author by captain birds eyepublication date Sat Nov 26, 2005 00:35author address author phone Report this post to the editors

If you had a big net in your hand and were dancing a sea shanty it couldnt be more obvious youre on a fishing expedition .

dont think anyones biting

author by Morepublication date Sat Nov 26, 2005 10:55author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Of course I'm fishing! I have read what Barry has written about the murder of Jo-Jo O'Connor and what he has writtenabout Martin Conlon and it looks very much like Martin was murdered by his comrades of some sort. Will Barry continue to support them if they murdered his friend?

I am not looking for names the dogs in the street have heard names, I just wonder if Barry is consistent or if he is going to go along with sweeping this murder under the rug.

Families request notwithstanding it certainly looks as though the 32 csm and their colleagues are intent on burying this, will he go along with the cover up if it turns out that is what they are at?

Which comes down to why he was murdered and by what org

author by Barry spypublication date Sat Nov 26, 2005 12:51author address author phone Report this post to the editors

My dear old friend Barry wrote as follows a while ago:

'Martin Conlons life was one of genuine struggle against colonialism in this country and against enormous odds . He wasnt afraid to face those odds . The people mocking him here have never , and will never possess the moral fortitude to see any struggle through .'

The point I suppose is that neither I nor most Irish people asked Conlon to do any such thing. He took it upon himself to decide that the opinions of his fellow countrymen could be set aside, because he had the right to fight for liberty on our behalf, whether we wanted that kind of liberty or not, whether we approved of his methods or not. If hic critics here lack the moral fortitude to kill anbd bomb in pursuit of a goal, then it is one shared by most Irish people - which is why thes methods were always doomed to disaster. I think Barry and his kind prefer to repeat history than learn from it.

I am inclined to offer his memory as much sympathy as he afforded to the views of the Irish people in recent decades.

author by Donnchadhpublication date Mon Jun 12, 2006 14:36author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Its obvious to me that a huge percentage of the so called leftists on this site are just capitalists who are pieved that they are in the position of the slave and not the master. Real leftists always support armed struggle against imperialism. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh d'anam dilis a Mhairtin.

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