30th anniversary of Francis Bradley marked in Newbridge

Leading republican, Seán Hughes from South Armagh gave an oration at a special commemorative event in Newbridge Churchyard at the weekend to mark the 30th anniversary of the execution of young IRA volunteer, Francis Bradley at the hands of a highly trained British Army undercover in February 1986. The execution of the 20 year old was one of many which is believed to have been part of a 'Shoot to Kill' policy which had the approval of British prime-minister,Margaret Thatcher's cabinet. Mr Hughes when addressing the large turnout extended a warm welcome to the family, friends and comrades of Francis who he described as "a very brave IRA volunteer, who as a young man witnessed the injustices and oppression being imposed upon the nationalist people of the six counties." Describing commemorations as special occasions in the Republican calendar - a time when republicans come together to remember Ireland's patriot dead, the republican leader who has played a key role in the reorganisation of Sinn Féin party structutres in the 26 counties over recent years said: "We remember those who went out and sacrificed their lives in pursuit of Irish freedom, whether that be in 1916 or 1986, or the decades before or after. "Be it James Connolly, Francis Hughes, Francie Bradley or Ed O'Brien, these patriots are separated only by time. They all gave their lives in pursuit of a common cause that was noble and legitimate in 1916 and 1986 as indeed it is now." Sean Hughes outlined the political conditions which"led young Francis Bradley and many others to join Óglaigh na hÉireann." He added: "In 1986 the IRA's war against the British Army and RUC was at its height. Operations were being carried out on a daily basis... "..Throughout that period young men and young women, like Francis, stepped forward to join the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann. They wanted to play their part in the stuggle for freedom and independence. They had seen the injustices and oppression being imposed on the people of this state.... Concluding his address, Mr Hughes said: "100 years on from the Easter Rising, Sinn Féin is committed to seeing the realisation of the ideals and principles contained within the Proclamation. Our goal is to bring about the Ireland of equals as envisaged by the patriots who have gone before us. "Comrades, we are facing into very challenging but also very exciting times. Republicanism on the island of Ireland has never been as strong. As James Connolly said:'we are now in the phase of nation building.' We must continue to build that irreversible trust towards Irish Unity. Let us go from here and remember 1916 with a sense of vigour and determination - to advance our struggle at every opportunity."