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O’Doherty’s Keep

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Here are two memorials from O’Doherty’s Keep in Buncrana, Co Donegal, originally a 14th century Norman Castle. Cahir Rua O’Dogherty/O’Dochartaigh/O’Doherty was a Gaelic lord loyal to the Queen of England (in opposition to the O’Donnells), but launched a rebellion, perhaps to settle a score with Sir George Paulet, governor of Derry, who was harassing the remaining Gaelic lords. O’Doherty was killed in the battle of Kilmacrennan in 1608 (WP | WP).

The other is to leader of the United Irishmen, Wolfe Tone, who was arrested in Lough Swilly in 1798 and held in Buncrana Castle before being moved to Derry and then Dublin, where he was executed.

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Copyright © 2003 Peter Moloney
M02014 M02015

Rooney – McCabe

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The Troubles in Belfast started in August 1969 with sustained rioting around Divis flats. On the night of August 14-15, nine year-old Patrick Rooney was hit in his home in the Divis flats by a bullet from an RUC machine-gun; he was the first child killed in the Troubles. A little later, 20 year-old Hugh McCabe, a (Catholic) British soldier on leave, was hit while dragging an injured person to safety on the roof of another flat (WP).

Divis Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2003 Peter Moloney
M02005

Denver Smith

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“In memory of a dear friend.” UVF volunteer Denver Smith was killed in the early morning of January 1st, 2000 by a gang of six men with machetes and pikes; the incident was perhaps drugs-related (Guardian | BBC-NI. For the wider picture An Phoblacht | Irish Times).

Parkhall Road, Antrim with kerbstones in the colours of the UVF.

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Copyright © 2003 Peter Moloney
M01926 M01928 M01927

Sean Gaynor

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“In memory of IRA Volunteer Sean Gaynor who was murdered in his home at 236 Springfield Road by members of the RIC on the 26th September 1920. Erected by the greater Clonard ex-prisoners association.” Gaynor was one of three victims of an RIC murder gang that night (See ROM’s account.)

Colinview Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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