Volunteer Sean Mcilvenna RFB

VSMRFB 1999 - 2009 Ten Years On The Rd!

Volunteer Harry McCartney P-I.R.A North Armagh Brigade

20th June 1964 - 14th April 2003

Graveside Operation: Delivered by Conor Murphy MLA 17th April 2003.

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the death of our comrade and friend, Harry McCartney. As we gather today to say a final farewell, we reflect upon his life and determination to achieve peace with justice in our country

As a young boy in the 1970’s, Harry experienced injustice at first hand when he and his family were intimidated out of their home. He grew up in a repressive state and soon made the decision to stand up against British oppression.

Harry’s first opportunity came with the Anti-H.Block /Armagh Gaol campaign when even as a schoolboy he engaged in pickets, marches and protests. During the Hunger Strikes that followed, Harry was to forefront on confrontations with the RUC and British Army when public outrage at the treatment of prisoners could no longer be contained Having witnessed the brutal face of British occupation during that period,

Harry became active at the cutting edge of the Republican Movement when he joined the IRA. Harry’s first O.C., Sean McIlvenna was killed in action in December 1984. Such was his respect and admiration for his O.C. that Harry called is only son, Sean, in honour of him. Harry inherited Sean McIlvenna’s enthusiasm and dedication to the movement that he carried through the rest of his years as an activist.

In that decade that followed, Harry quickly gained respect of his fellow volunteers and was a willing and determined soldier in the Armagh area. In 1990, he was captured and imprisoned but prison failed to break determination and resolve. While in the Crumlin Road Gaol he was prominent figure in the campaign for segregation and became involved in confrontations with the screws and loyalists.

After been giving a life sentence, Harry was moved to the H-Blocks where he took the opportunity to further himself and successfully embark on an Open University Degree. His wit and unbreakable spirit was enjoyed and appreciated by all those who knew him after Long Kesh.

After his release under the Good Friday agreement in July 2000, Harry quickly became reinvolved, helping to reorganise the movement in Armagh and to face the new challenges that lay ahead.

One of his last acts was to be involved in bringing the families of dead volunteers to Dublin for the An Tigra Commemoration which was all the more successful and memorable because of the efforts of people such as him.

Harry was also instrumental in helping to reform his local community association in Drumbreda where he was very adept in his role as PRO. One of his main reasons for becoming involved in community work was to desire to help the youth of the area and to this end he was helping to organise the rebuilding of the Drumbreda Community Centre.

Harry had a positive outlook on life. He would see today not as a time of sadness but of a time for his family and friends to come together to remember him.

The Republican Movement offers its sincerest sympathies to Gillian, Deborah and Sean and to the entire McCartney family. Harry will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Roll Of Honor

North Armagh Brigade