Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980

Subject: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 07:47 PM

Sad news this evening Sean McKenna has died suddenly at his home.

On the 27 October 1980, Sean began a hunger strike. Many prisoners volunteered to be part of the strike, but a total of seven were selected to match the number of men who signed the Easter 1916 Proclamation of the Republic.

Sean lapsed in and out of a coma and on was on the brink of death, when the British government appeared to concede the essence of the prisoners' five demands with a thirty-page document detailing a proposed settlement. With the document in transit to Belfast, Darkie Hughes took the decision to save McKenna's life and end the strike after 53 days on 18 December.

May you rest in peace now Sean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 07:09 AM

Taking part in hunger strikes to the point of near death must have a detrimental effect on the body and consequently result in a shorter life expectancy. Brendan Hughes died earlier this year.

I just wish it had never happened and those ten men hadn't died.

Very sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 07:27 AM

.....those ten men hadn't died.

I should have added in the second hunger strike in 1981

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 01:45 PM

god bless you sean

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,kickham
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 01:52 PM

Sean was a kind gentle humerous man who never got over having survived, t'was not of his choosing. In the end, he didnt survive. He should be remembered and respected not denegrated as he has been by some. Sean was a forgotten hero like many others of the first strike. May he rest in peace now and may his family gain some peace in the knowledge that he is tortured and humilitated no longer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 03:25 PM

There Were Roses
(Tommy Sands)

My song for you this evening, it's not to make you sad
Nor for adding to the sorrows of this troubled northern land,
But lately I've been thinking and it just won't leave my mind
I'll tell you of two friends one time who were both good friends of mine.

Allan Bell from Banagh, he lived just across the fields,
A great man for the music and the dancing and the reels.
O'Malley came from South Armagh to court young Alice fair,
And we'd often meet on the Ryan Road and the laughter filled the air.

There were roses, roses
There were roses
And the tears of the people
Ran together

Though Allan, he was Protestant, and Sean was Catholic born,
It never made a difference for the friends, it was strong.
And sometimes in the evening when we heard the sound of drums
We said, ``It won't divide us. We always will be one.''

For the ground our fathers plowed in, the soil, it is the same,
And the places where we say our prayers have just got different names.
We talked about the friends who died, and we hoped there'd be no more.
It's little then we realized the tragedy in store.

It was on a Sunday morning when the awful news came round.
Another killing has been done just outside Newry Town.
We knew that Allan danced up there, we knew he liked the band.
When we heard that he was dead we just could not understand.

We gathered at the graveside on that cold and rainy day,
And the minster he closed his eyes and prayed for no revenge.
All all of us who knew him from along the Ryan Road,
We bowed our heads and said a prayer for the resting of his soul.

Now fear, it filled the countryside. There was fear in every home
When a car of death came prowling round the lonely Ryan Road.
A Catholic would be killed tonight to even up the score.
``Oh, Christ! It's young O'Malley that they've taken from the door.''

``Allan was my friend,'' he cried. He begged them with his fear,
But centuries of hatred have ears that cannot hear.
An eye for an eye was all that filled their minds
And another eye for another eye till everyone is blind.

So my song for you this evening, it's not to make you sad
Nor for adding to the sorrows of our troubled northern land,
But lately I've been thinking and it just won't leave my mind.
I'll tell you of two friends one time who were both good friends of mine.

I don't know where the moral is or where this song should end,
But I wondered just how many wars are fought between good friends.
And those who give the orders are not the ones to die.
It's Bell and O'Malley and the likes of you and I.

There were roses, roses
There were roses there were roses
and ant tears of the people stand together.

Aye a tortured soul right enough,a man who had helped to kill many innocent men, women and children, people that ahd nothing to with the so called 'war' in Northern Ireland.

I just hate the republican/loyist terrorists I don't care wither you're republican or loyalist, no one has the right to kill anyone else, or be a part of that group that does that, I mean ther are other ways of dealing with it.

the S.N.P want freedom from Westminster but we don't go around killing, sad though it is a human being has died but what about the countless innocent mudered people that he helpe to kill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,josephine hughes brendan hughes daughter
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 04:21 PM

really sad to hear of the death of sean another legend gone but never forgotten   
rip sean

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:14 AM

A lot of people should be hanging their heads in shame, as Sean was so badly treated by the republican movement. As a vol he was the bravest of the brave, a true soldier of Ireland. He was a very gentle, spiritual man and the most loyal friend any man could ever hope to have.Sadly it was 28 years to the day of Brendan the dark Hughes, calling off the the first hungerstrike,that Sean so tragically died. He was a man of deep conscience and moral standing and carried the burden of the ten deaths that followed. Some people have stated that Seans death would have saved the others(you know who you are) Sean was in a coma and hours from death, when the strike was called off and had no control over the situation and if he had, he would have seen it out to the end, this I have no doubt. A part of Sean was left in Long Kesh, he never got over the horrors of it all, he was deeply troubled and struggled with his conscience and questioned his own contribution to the struggle, more so considering the political situation we all find ourselves in. Did the means, justify the end? May you rest in peace Sean, you will be missed by your friends in Newry and south Armagh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:53 AM

And respected throughout the North of Ireland.

This gentle spoken man was troubled. It may not be the time, but many feel more could of been done to help him by those who now wear the suits and carry out British policy in Ireland.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 09:57 AM

well Northern Ireland is NOT BRITISH but is a part of the UK which is different.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 10:01 AM

some how I don't think he was repected by all in the Northern Ireland, perticular the Proestants or the murdered innocent men, women and children.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: Midchuck
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 10:12 AM

I don't mean to make light of this, but it illustrates the communication problems that can arise between people who are supposed to be speaking the same language.

In the US, the idea of a Republican hunger striker is the ultimate absurdity - the Republicans being perceived as the fat ones. Until I realized the post was about Ireland, I did a complete double-take.

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 11:11 AM

Not really a time for cutting the crap out of eachother lads. Hang fire for another time.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,DECLAN HUGHES
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 02:50 PM

RIP Sean your suffering is over now.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: akenaton
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 03:24 PM

Well, I'm a Scot and a Nationalist...for what it's worth.
The ordinary people like Mr McKenna are always betrayed by the leadership.

I would love to see Ireland united under one flag, and Scotland an Independent nation...but I won't hold my breath, it seems the politicians have always the last word; and we have an additional problem, right from the days of the United Irishmen, Ireland has been awash with heros like Mr McKenna, people with a real pride in their culture and traditions, but we have no modern heros and in truth, very few from antiquity, we have sold our language and culture and all we have left is a shortbread tin country split by mindless religious sectarianism.

I have no religion myself, but I hope your God looks kindly on Mr McKenna.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 04:48 PM

Just returned from his wake house. What a wonderful family, humble and proud. They said he never spoke about his strike of 54 days without food, or the events which lead to the second strike in 1981 in which ten men died.

His mother showed me some of the wonderful poetry he wrote in recent years. A lot of it expressed his troubled mind. He will be laid to rest tomorrow in a most peaceful setting, St, Mary's Church yard in Ravensdale.

The suffering is now over Sean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 04:30 AM

I'm a Scot and a Scottish Nationalist as well, but I just don't support the terrorism in any country which is done by these muderers or their pals.

as I said it's sad when someone dies no matter what.

and yet no one has mentined the sufering of the 3,000 innocent men, women and children that these 'humans' killed or helped to kill, no one gives a damn about them

well those are the ones that I feel sorry about.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,trinity
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 07:42 AM

Sean walked the road to Demascus at Long Kesh and like St. Paul became a man in whom the Lord and the Blessed Mother became so very close to..He would pray on his knees for hours
to God transfixed in his devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,triinity
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 03:33 PM

Are there no more out there who would speak kindly in Sean McKenna's death who kept silent after his hunger strike because he did not die.? ..How can you condemn a man who is in a coma and cannot tell the doctor that he doesn't want to live?.He wanted to give his life to save all the young innocent boys who he saw so cruelly treated at Long Kesh.

I say no more.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Megan L
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 03:48 PM

Tell the wives mothers and sweethearts of the dead.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 04:11 PM

Indeed Megan, tell them of the murderous role of state forces in Ireland when your at it.

Sean's funeral was a civil affair at his own request. There was nothing political about it. There was no referance to his hunger strike during the service. Sean had suffered from depression for the past number of years and could no longer take the pain. He is away from that now.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Martin
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 06:44 PM

Sean is free...RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,a dear friend
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 05:58 PM

sean was a very dear friend of mine,i am deeply shocked.i met another of seans dearfriends today who didnt even know(mix up wit phone no.s)the three of us shared a room in medjugorje.just last week we talked of going next year.just cant belive it.i probably will never meet such a person with seans spirituality.he was truelly very close to god.amen

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:18 AM

I agree with Comrac on one thing.
"Not really a time for cutting the crap out of eachother lads. Hang fire for another time."
Hopefully some of the guest posts like the 4.51 pm will soon be deleted.

I am a little surprised that you wanted to run an obit for Mr. McKenna here. He was not known as a musician, so what kind of contributions were you expecting, considering that most here would regard him as an ex terrorist?

Hanging fire for another time.
keith.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 08:26 AM

an other coward I see called Guest at lest I give my mudcat name why won't you, hiding behind you balaclava?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Adrian
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 08:50 AM

I have just today learned of the sad passing of Sean, such a wonderful person to have known. I wrote to him often both by comm and at the window. To anyone who should speak ill of him I only wish you had known him you would have come away with a different view and a better understanding of yourself and of Sean he was a humble man and a gentle soul. I will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 03:23 PM

Just curious.
All the non anon guests here are first posters.
Are you regular visitors moved to post for the first time, or are you visiting especially to support this thread?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:06 PM

I imagine the fact I mentioned a recent comment posted about me on another thread here to members of another forum, possibly some of the guys who came to view it saw this thread and posted on it.

I don't see anything sinister in them paying their respects. Regarding his obituary and your remark he wasn't connected in any way to music, please check the other obituaries. You will find politicians, actors and television personalises among them, I see no exclusions in the rules.

I posted the thread in case some members from overseas wished to pay their respects, I did not have any other motive.

Enjoy the holiday break.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:33 PM

I was just curious about all the guests.
No exclusions on obits, but this is a little out of the ordinary.
Peaceful and joyous Christmas to you.
keith.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:23 PM

Note: The rule is that we do not allow anonymous posts at Mudcat, and we require all posters to use a consistent name, whether or not they are registered.

We ordinarily delete all anonymous posts from non-music threads. We grudgingly tolerate some anonymous posting in the music threads, because we have some visitors who may not know our policy. I have deleted the anonymous messages from this thread.

-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:34 PM

Joe,
Pity you deleted my comments - i wasn't aware of your policy. Can they be re-instated as i feel the need to educate Goatfell on the complexities of good v evil ?

---

No, if you're one of those who switch IP with every post, we'd rather not deal with you. We're not inclined to accommodate hostile, anonymous strangers.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:57 PM

I think Goatfell you will find that there are many kinds of balaclava's. Pilots who drop 1000 lb bombs on innocent villagers from 25,000 feet or carpet bomb whole cities. SAS lying in ditches backed up with the arm of the state who operate outside the law , faceless, nameless. Trigger happy killers on bloody sunday who still ,thirty years late, hide behind screens , destroy evidence , manipulate the truth. British prime ministers who sit in their comfortable living rooms thousands of miles from danger who authorise the killing of hundreds of sailors by an invisible enemy under the sea and rejoice at their death. Right and wrong, good and evil , no-one has a monopoly on any of it , where you find self righteouness hypocracy isn't far away.

I was a young man when i first saw Sean McKenna's fresh face stare out from a poster. I always wondered what became of him and it brought back memories when i heard of his death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 10:41 PM

Pheonix, I am the co moderator of the forum. I am also from a family with decidely Republican views, and we have debated many times with folks in these precincts. Having said that, I must tell you that the deletion of your posts had nothing to do with your views. As long as you use a consistent identity, and don't attack anyone personally, you are free to post. You may debate someone's positions, you may attack the evidence and opinions they post, as long as you do so without making personal attacks. We ask that the debate be kept civil, even while we heatedly defend our positions.

I do not expect those who are not steeped in the traditions of our people to understand starving oneself to death. It goes to the very old traditions regarding hospitality in the home of the Irish Celt. One must never turn away someone in need of a meal or a place to lay their head. Conversely, the greatest insult one can hurl at another would be to starve themselves to death while in their hands. Kind of the Irish Celt's way of throwing a shoe at someone. It is a statement of the gravest kind.

It is altogether too easy to label men of conscience, such as McKenna, as terrorists and murderers. History is never that easy. There are those that would say Gandhi fomented terrorism even though his way was through nonviolence. The American patriots that hid behind trees and fought to liberate this land from the forces of the Crown were called cowards and murderers. The Free French commandoes were considered terrorists if you were a German soldier. The Viet Cong, fighting to rid their land of the Imperialists used tactics that caused innocents to lose their lives, yet many consider them brave fighters.

McKenna, whom I have never met, from all accounts was a gentle man who was willing to give his life in the ultimate act of nonviolent protest. You don't have to like him, but one day when the whole of Ireland is united, it will be in some measure due to him and his brave act of defiance. God be good to him.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Megan L
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 02:47 AM

one mans martyr is another mans murderer

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 02:55 AM

We all admire someone in life Megan. Don't get annoyed Pheonix, a lot depends here on who you are or how you vote.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:48 AM

Big Mick, all those fighters you listed were fighting for causes for which there was no alternative but to fight.
They did not have the alternative of just persuading enough people to vote with them.

I respect McKenna's peaceful, self sacrificing protest.
I called him a terrorist because he was an IRA man.
A bomb in a shopping centre, bus station, etc. etc. that kills mums and children IS terrorism not politics.

I do not know if he did such things but, if so ordered, would he have a choice?
Did he ever speak against such things?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 11:02 AM

i agree

a terrorist is a terrorist and I don't care which side they fight on..

As I say waht about all the innocent men,women and children that died in your so called 'war'

and as Keith A of Hertford says if he was ordered did he do such terrorists acts did he have a choice and did he speck out against such things?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 01:20 PM

big mick

name me one person Gandhi killed or helped to kill, he was against any form of KIlling whereas these people were all for Killing, and there is another way to get what you want either the way that Gandhi did it or you can take a vote.

these people didn't care who they killed or helped to kill, I'm a Scottish Natinalist as heart and a republican views but I don't think that they way that you cna get what you want is by murdering people that's all.

these people no matter what side they are on are just scumbags

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 04:11 PM

Goatfell decidely ignored the point i made but i do recognise the sacrifice Ghandi made against the terrorists who occupied his land perhaps Goatfell in your 'i don't care what side their on' will therefore acknowledge the evil tyrany the British Empire wreaked across the globe.

My main objection really is that no matter who i disagree with and that can include strong feelings i would never choose an obit to have a go at the dead person or their beliefs. Respect the dead.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 08:45 AM

Some of the hunger strikers felt betrayed.

Looking Back in Anger


"I don't think it's been worth it. If someone had told me 20 years ago, you're going to go to jail, you're going to get tortured, you're going to go on hunger strike, you're going to watch loads of men dying to get this... I'd have told them to forget it."

"We were decommissioned with nothing," says Hughes. "IRA men and women, who gave everything to this struggle, got poverty, premature death, and mental problems in return.

They carried a lot of guilt too. The hunger strikes took a huge toll of those who took part and of their loved ones.

The suffering of EVERYONE on all sides makes me feel sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,Trinity
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 01:17 PM

Amen and god bless you...you have said it all

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 02:04 PM

no one has said that they feel sorry about the men, women or children that have died because people like this 'man'

well, I'm sorry about the deaths of the innocents that have died during the 'war' in northern ireland.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 04:21 PM

Everyone is a victim of circumstance. But for the grace of god go i.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 04:22 AM

so according to you it was innocent men, women and children it was their fault and no on else's that they were killed, that's what they say in Israel

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 29 Dec 08 - 06:15 PM

no goatfell thats what the british government said when innocent people were killed on bloody sunday and when young children were killed by british forces using plastic bullets. I wouldn't be as heartless as those who organised the british war machine. You have failed to address any of the points i have made. Someone did post earlier that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter so its a case of what perspective you are coming from but the causes of war cannot be ignored.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,b
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:09 PM

sean u wer an irish hero,the amount of ppl at your funeral showed how much u wer loved.your at peace now sean r.i.p

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,trinity
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 04:18 PM

can you open your heart "El Paso"

remember these words and dear Sean.....

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 07:22 AM

so you are saying that the terrorist on both sides did not kill innocent people it was the armed forces, and the IRA didn't kill two wee boys in Warrington when they placed a bomb in a litter bin, so the terrorists on both sides are just lovely nice people and it was the armed forces that did all the killing, well when in Britian obey the rules and laws, I don't like the English government either but we're stuck with them until something better happens, and as for mckenna and his numpty friends where they are now it won't be a cold place.

anyway

as I say I just hate all terrorists.

what kind of man by Eric Bogle

What kind of man is he and which cause did he use
When he placed the bomb, when he set the fuse
did he walk away crying liberty
and if he did what kind of man was he

did he sleep well the night deft to to dying last screams
did no bloody ghosts walk through his dreams
does he shed innocent blood as part of a grand strategy
and if does what kind of man is he

ch
for all the tears and mourning
for all those you've maimed and killed
for all the murdered children
god damn your soul to hell

is he a family man does he any kids
will they ever understand what their father did
does he use noble words like freedom form tyranny
and if he does what kind of man is he

are you out tonight wearing your everyman's face
do you still see yourself as part of the human race
in spite of the murder you've done and the killing that you've yet to do
and that's why I ask what kind of man are you

from Gethsemane to Auschwitz the man with the gun
has stood between us and what we could of become
shall we be dragged once again into barbarity
if we let them do that what kind of men are we

and one final thing you've and your numpty friends on the thread/post have not said any words of sorry to their victims either.

so it's the case of blame the whole thing on the armed forces and not the terrorists, Idon't why I'm written this because 'people' like you just don't want to listen do you.

so plese read what I've said but don't reply, becuase if you do then you're a numpity too

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 08:21 AM

this is my last post so please read but dont reply

Any Mick'll Do
Brian McNeill
'Cause any Mick'll do, any black, any Jew
Any poor wee soul (bugger) who's not like you
They're down from the trees and they're up from the bogs
They come round here and they steal your job
They're all the bloody same - just no' the same as you
And when a scapegoat's what you need - any Mick'll do

Gerry Conlon stood before the jury
Before the judge in his gown and his wig
And the whole damn country was sure he was guilty
Even though the evidence was rigged
And when it all came out, it was the old familiar shout
He'll be guilty of something, sure as hell
What's a Paddy more or less, and anyway, he confessed
Stick him down in his cell, and his father as well

They told Annie Maguire she was a bomber
She heard every expert witness testify
That they'd found traces of gelignite upon her hands
And British justice would not be denied
And when they found they were wrong, it was the same old song
She's a danger to us all if she's free
With every day that goes by, we're more committed to the lie
So just leave her be and throw away the key

I hate every Jew who kicks a Palestinian
And every Nazi who ever kicked a Jew
I hate every stupid bigoted opinion
And if you don't hate them too, then I hate you
But what I hate most of all is the sheer damned gall
Of a system that never thinks twice
About furthering a grudge with a jury and a judge
And when they're loading the dice, tell me who pays the price

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 08:23 AM

it's like the old nazis orders where orders

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Lhiggins
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 05:23 PM

To a wonderful uncle, brother, son and friend, Sean may your gentle soul Rest In Peace, you are in our thoughts. Love from New York

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 09:45 AM

but as I say why hasn't anyone who has posted on the site praising McKenna, have the bottle to say sorry for all the people that died because of these mudering people just hated each other and they didn't care who got murdered.

are you like McKenna a coward

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 09:46 AM

especailly these ones that come on as guests

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 11:49 AM

you haven't apologised for any of the innocents murdered by the british army. My point is and i don't know how much more plainly i can put it, you cannot talk of victims without talking of all victims. The examples i have raised with you show that there are innocent victims in every conflict and are inflicted by all sides. It is the conflict and the causes of conflict that we need to address.

Please don't ask me not to post as we have had enough censorship in our history. I would rather have a debate than a slanging match but i'm afraid it is you who is blinkered and chose to ignore my points. Reciting someone else's versions of lyrics shows an inability to argue your own points.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 12:03 PM

well you've just proven that you ignore people requests, I'll apologised for the victims of the British army, as soon as you apologised for the victims of the terrorists. yes you are a numpty, because I asked you not to reply to my posts, reply to someone's elses but not mine because as I said you don't listen, that is why the murderers on both sides have did, but now well they say that the listen. Bu that's what I have been doing, I'm sorry for all the victims on both sides god knows it's like talking to a brick wall, and posting that crap, prooves that you just don't listen I asked you to NOT TO POST OR REPLY to my post so why bother, and then you wonder why that there was trouble in northern ireland.

so why don't become a memeber of the mudcat cafe, or are you blinkered as well, at lest with me you can write a PM to me, and yet I can't send you one as far as I'm concered being a guest is a coward.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 12:08 PM

oh just one last thing, apart from not listening or reading my request, just crawl back under the stone the came under, and just beat it because I won't be back.

so Goodbye

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 01:24 PM

unless you reply or post to this thread I mean what part of the phrase DO NOT POST OR REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?

WHAT PART OF THE WORD NO DON'T YOU UNDERSTND?

BUT AS I SAY I WON'T BE BACK UNLESS YOU POST TO ME

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 02:17 AM

Was Sean a supporter of the peace process, or did he favour the resumption of the armed struggle?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Comrac (troll alert contact max)
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:25 AM

Neither. He had no interest in politics for many years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:18 PM

Well Goatfell i thought this was a discussion forum. This thread respectfully marked the passing of one man. When you originally posted your message did you not anticipate a debate ?

I'm satisfied that i have successfully challenged and exposed your attempt to present a one sided version of the struggle Sean was involved in many years ago and i consider the matter closed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,trinity
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:37 PM

God forgave St. Paul...Sean was forgiven as well...can you not forgive...are you so perfect....you did not walk in his shoes...even before he was 17...

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,arran
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 05:16 AM

yes and you still haven't siad sorry for the victims that the rerrorists murdered Pheonix, which to me to a one sied view as well, at lest Goatfell said that he was sorry afor the victims that the army killed but you Pheonix have not siad sorry about the victims that the terrorists killed, so who is wrong here, at lest Goatfell said that he was sorry why don't you.

and he also asked you not to reply to him unless you want an answer, as he siad what part of the word no don't you understand.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: GUEST,Pheonix
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 06:09 AM

The only people who terrorised me were the forces of foreign occupation. I don't want to see anyone killed and i'm sorry for all deaths. i'm sorry that the will of the Irish people was denied, that a false, artifical line was drawn across my country to create a gerrymandered state with an inbuilt majority which was passed off as democracy. I'm sorry that generations have suffered because within that gerrymandered state elections were fixed to give one section of our community supreme control over the other. I'm sorry that draconian laws were used to make it illegal to fly the Irish tricolour in our own country. What proud person would tolerate these conditions in their own land and not want to do something about it. I'm sorry for all of this and i can't wait for the day, which will arrive, when as an Irishman i don't have to explain to anyone why i'm proud to be Irish , proud of my relatives who fought for Ireland and Ireland only and proud of everyone who challenges colonialism, slavery, oppression and the denial of self determination.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 07:25 AM

that all I want to read thank you

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 07:27 AM

As I say That wasn't hard was it to say all that.

Thank you

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,Peaceful law abiding person
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:28 AM

Let us not forget he was in prison at the time, and whilst he had every right to stage a hunger strike, the cost of nursing him was borne by those he seeked out to destroy, by force.

He was born into a western democracy which has a past to be ashamed of, but that is no reason to try by force which cannot be sorted by the ballot.

As a believer in democracy, and accepting the majority of people living in Northern Ireland did not wish to be governed by Dublin, I find it hard to feel compassion for terrorists.

A misguided romantic fool is about the best I could ever muster.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:42 AM

better watch was you're saying because there are people out there who don't like what you've written.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: Megan L
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:48 AM

Oh for goodness sake let this stupid thread do what he did.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-
From: GUEST,Peaceful law abiding person
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:56 AM

Thanks for the warning, but as I live in a democracy, I have nothing, nothing at all to fear.

I have the right to say that I have problems sympathising with terrorists, and if anybody was to disagree, that;s their right. If they don't like what I am saying, then I have no issues sleeping at night because I am not a politician so do not have to listen to their views.

This is a forum, and if people post a thread, they have to accept what comes up on it.

So a person has died. Commiseration to his family and friends. But let's not get carried away with this notion about a freedom fighter. Times move on, innocent people caught up in the troubles have been mourned and the province is looking forward not back. I visit Belfast on a regular basis and have done for many years. The change is amazing, the laughter on the streets genuine and the atmosphere in pubs and hotel bars is good creic, not sectarian rubbish as was the case years ago.

Sean McKenna saw this change, and I hope he felt it was worth fighting for. Whether the real fighting helped or delayed progress is a debate for other times...

Subject: RE: Obit: Sean McKenna. Republican Hunger Striker-1980
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 01:06 PM

but to some people he was a freedom fighter, I'm not one of them.
and I agree with Megan L, this thread like him should die, and I beleive in free speech