They are Remembered
By Lynda Walker, member of the Int. Brigades Commemoration Committee - report of the Armagh public meeting on the SCW, August 1st.
The "Feile Ard Mhacha Thiar" (West Armagh Community Festival) 2008 took place this week in Armagh City. There were a variety of political, cultural and sporting events.
Building on the international events from previous years when they had solidarity with Cuba 2006, solidarity with Palestine 2008, last Friday (August 1st) there was an "International Solidarity event and Local Involvement in the Fight for the Spanish Republic".
Local involvement was emphasised by speaker Francie Molloy who said how he had become involved with the "Charlie Donnelly winter school" and also travelled to Spain to see some of the battle fields and meet some of the International Brigaders.
Tommy McKearney spoke about how the republican involvement against Franco was now becoming more acceptable.
Harry Owens-co-author with Bob Doyle of "Brigadistas" led off with a very detailed talk before and after a film was shown. The film made in 1988 was interspersed with documentary material about the anti-fascist war and a reunion of the International Brigaders in 1986 in Barcelona. Bob Doyle was a prominent figure in the film.
The Spanish Civil War exhibition which gives the background to events that inspired local volunteers from places like Dungannon and Lurgan was on show from the 1st to the 10th of August in the Community Hall in Sherry's Field, Armagh.
On sale were Bob Doyle's books and other literature as well as the IBCC badges and 'T' shirts with the Spanish Republican Flag that were made especially for the festival.
The Friday night was successful with great hospitality from the committee organisers, food, refreshments and great music was offered to the visitors and locals alike, and bringing to life the role of the anti-fascist fighters the entire event was great.
Gareth, one of the organisers of the festival called for a commemoration to be organised on the 14th of September for James Haughey, volunteer from Lurgan, to celebrate his life and his contribution to the Anti-Fascist War.
James Haughey was killed in 1943 he fought with the Canadian Air force, against Nazi Germany, he wrote this prophetic poem shortly before his death.
The Pilot
I think that it will come, some when, somewhere
In shattering crash, or roaring sheet of flame;
In the green-blanket sea, choking for air,
Amid the bubbles transient as my name.
Sometimes a second's throw decides the game,
Winner takes all, and there is no re-play,
Indifferent earth and sky breathe on the same,
I scatter my last chips, and go my way.
The years I might have had I throw away;
They only lead to winter's barren pain.
Their loss must bring no tears from those who stay,
For Spring, however spent, comes not again.
When peace descends once more like gentle rain,
Mention my name in passing, if you must,
As one who knew the terms - slay or be slain,
And thought the bargain was both good and just
Printed in the Times of London 31st October 1943
