REPUBLICANS throughout Ireland were deeply saddened to learn of the death on January 18th of Sinn Féin Poblachtach Ard Chomhairle member Eddie McKeown, Newry, Co Down.

Eddie McKeown was born in 1946, in a street named after the Irish patriot John Mitchel, the third of seven children, five boys and two girls. His father was employed as a dough maker in the local TP Willis’s bakery and his mother also worked.

Eddie’s father was a member of the Irish Labour Party, and was asked to stand for them in the aftermath of the local split, which produced the “Newry Labour Party”. This was born after Newry Council Chairman Tommy Markey was expelled from the Irish Party for “taking the Salute” at a British Army recruiting parade.

From a relatively early age Eddie was drawn to Irish Republicanism. He challenged the demonisation of the IRA at the Abbey Grammar school, saying he believed they were right to fight for Irish freedom. Eddie found it ironic that those who damned the fighters of the 50s-60s campaign now eulogise them but similarly damn today’s freedom fighters.

If one single event reinforced his Republicanism, it was the death of his brother, Volunteer Patrick McKeown. Patsy, or “Buddy” as he was popularly known, for his resemblance to Buddy Holly, died in a premature explosion on August 27, 1974. He was just 29. Gerry Adams delivered the oration at his funeral! Eddie was disgusted, but not surprised, to observe the “constitutional” path that Adams later followed.

Eddie described himself as a Republican/communist; hisheroes were Theobald Wolfe Tone and James Connolly. His favourite quotation from the latter was: “I believe that England has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland and never can have any right in Ireland.” 

Down through the years Eddie McKeown worked hard for the Republican cause in his home town of Newry. Up to recent months he sold the Republican newspaper SAOIRSE, Republican calendars etc, attended events and commemorations and was active on behalf of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry jail. 

For the last number of years Eddie served on the Ard Chomhairle of Sinn Féin Poblachtach and was a very valued member of the Coiste Seasta (the Standing Committee). He was the Ulster recipient of the CABHAIR Testimonial in 2016.

Deepest sympathy is extended to Eddie’s sisters, Sarah and Nuala and his extended family. 

I measc na bhFíníní go raibh a anam uasail.

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