Commemorative board to be unveiled for INLA volunteer Colm McNutt

This weekend sees the 40th anniversary of the death of INLA volunteer Colm McNutt in December 1977.

The Derry republican socialist movement will in conjunction with the James Connolly Culture Youth Group unveil a board to commemorate and remember him on Saturday 9th December at the corner of Balbane Pass/Linsfort Drive.

Colm McNutt was 18-years-old when he was shot while trying to hijack a car near Derry city centre.

It is believed that supergrass Raymond Gilmour, tipped off his RUC handler that a hijacking of a car was about to take place.

Mr Martin McNutt later said in the aftermath of the killing, Gilmour described his brother as his 'best friend' but the McNutt family believe this was a 'smokescreen' to cover his tracks.

“Gilmour called for Colm that morning and went with him but watched what was happening from a restaurant up the street. Then he was part of the colour party at Colm’s funeral," he recalled.

The James Connolly Culture Youth Group have been learning about Colm's life and what drove him.  

A spokesperson for the group said: "Colm was just eighteen-years-old when he was killed in the William Street area of his native Derry by undercover agents of the British state.

"As a politically aware youth growing up in Derry he witnessed at first hand the brutality of the British Imperialist stranglehold on his country and it was as a result of the occupation that Colm took up arms, not only to defend his city from the British but to fight for a workers' republic that would indeed cherish all the children of the nation equally.

"Colm paid the ultimate price for the love of his country and his people.

"We invite all family members and republicans who would like to remember him to join us on Saturday at 1.30 pm at the Creggan Shops for a short walk to the corner of Balbane Pass and Linsfort Drive.

"Remember him with honour and pride."