‘Remembrance and reflection event’ in Newcastle to coincide with Paul Magorrian tribute

‘Remembrance and reflection event’ in Newcastle to coincide with Paul Magorrian tribute

7 August 2024

PLANS have been unveiled for what is being billed as a “remembrance and reflection event” in Newcastle next Friday night ahead of a gathering in the town to remember IRA man Paul Magorrian.

The Burrendale Hotel is the venue for the commemoration event entitled the Paul Magorrian story which is being organised by the Betsy Gray Sinn Fein Cumann.

Several months ago, posters erected in the area said the event was being held in Castlewellan GAC’s base at St Malachy’s Park, but the club disavowed the booking, insisting it had not been approved.

According to Troubles reference work Lost Lives, Magorrian was the ‘adjutant’ of the South Down Brigade of the IRA and was shot dead by the army in Castlewellan on August 14, 1974.

The remembrance and reflection event in front of the Newcastle Centre on Friday, August 16, is being organised in direct opposition to the Burrendale Hotel event by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) outside the Newcastle Centre. It starts at 7.30pm.

The group was established to help innocent victims of terrorism in Northern Ireland with its director, Kenny Donaldson, explaining that alongside others, it requested to meet with the management of the Newcastle hotel to discuss the Paul Magorrian event.

Mr Donaldson said SEFF is planning its event to “give innocent victims/survivors of terrorism and other troubles-related violence an alternative and positive focus”.

He continued: “Many people are deeply frustrated at what is happening and several have wanted to protest. We do not believe that this approach will bring any benefit to those who are hurting”.

Mr Donaldson said the message to the community was simple.

“If you want to be indoctrinated by ideology and falsehoods, then go to the Burrendale Hotel and if you want to stand by the innocent, those who oppose violence in all its forms, irrespective of what quarter it comes from, then come stand with us.”

Sandra Johnston, a member of Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism (MAST) – whose brother Allan was murdered by the IRA in Kilkeel – said that along with SEFF, it will be offering an alternative event.

She said the evening of reflection and prayer will be led by Canon Alan Irwin whose father and uncle were murdered by the IRA.

“The short service will include involvement from SEFF, MAST and the family of Samuel Pollock who was murdered by the Provisional IRA in 1982 in Newcastle close to Donard Park as the result of an under-car boobytrap bomb,” Ms Johnston added.