These Good Men Have Give Their Lives

“It is not for glory we defend Ulster but for Freedom we Fight, which these good men have give their lives.” The men in question are “Vltr”s Hugh McVeigh, Andy Craig, and Brian (Barney) O’Raw from the UFF’s East Belfast brigade 3rd (Ballybeen) battalion (McVeigh and Craig are described as being from G company in the plaque on the right).

Colonel McVeigh was killed in the feud with the UVF in April 1975; Andy Craig was shot by the IRA in September of that year; O’Raw was killed by the UVF in 1997.

Drumadoon Drive, Ballybeen

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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The Patriot Keeps Marching On

“In proud and loving memory of Tyrone’s republican dead. “A Patriot: The glamour of the battle calls to boyhood/The martial music trills the youthful heart/And lads go out and give their all for freedom/content to know that they have done their part//But when the first proud wave of glory passes/And nought is left but duty stark and clear/When no pipes skirl and drums have ceased their beating/And the way to freedom stretches dark and drear//’Ttis then we know the Patriot from the Soldier/The Patriot keeps marching, marching on” – Henry O’Kane [?Colonel Henry O’Kane, interpreter for the French Army in 1798?] Suaımhneas dá n-anamacha ar dheıs laımh Dé ıns na flaıthıs. | Gó ndéana Muıre, banríon na nGael, ıdırghuí ar a son. Erected by Tyrone National Graves Association.”

Mullanmore Road, Carrickmore

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Vol. Frank Ward

“Erected by the National Graves Association as a tribute to the bravery of Vol. Frank Ward who of 5th April 1922 at Dunamore gave his life in the execution of his duty as a soldier of the Irish Republic. Ar dheıs Dé go raıbh a anam. ‘While Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.’ [Patrick Pearse]” Ward was born in Omagh. At age 22, while dismantling a bridge near Dunamore in order to frustrate British movements, he was shot in a gun battle by the B-Specials (FindAGrave). He is buried in Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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