A Derry IRA man shot dead by the British army 35 years ago will be remembered at a wreath-laying ceremony in the City Cemetery this afternoon.
Patsy Duffy.
Patrick (Patsy) Duffy was unarmed when he was killed by undercover British soldiers, believed to be members of the SAS, on 24 November 1978.
The 50-year-old had gone to check on IRA weapons in a house in Maureen Avenue when he was shot by soldiers who had been laying in wait.
His killing was one of the first of the so-called “shoot-to-kill” carried out by British security forces.
This afternoon’s ceremony – to take place at 1.00pm at the cemetery’s republican plot – has been organised by 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
A tribute on the group’s website claims the father-of-six was “executed” when struck by 14 of 31 bullets fired at him.
The tribute reads: “Patsy was a committed and valued volunteer within the Derry Brigade of the IRA, controlling a network of arms dumps throughout the city.
“Patsy’s commitment to the republican cause meant he was determined to play a full and active roll in the armed struggle – it was this dedication in ending the British occupation of Ireland that led him to make the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of Irish freedom.
“Volunteer Patsy Duffy inspired the young republicans of the Brandywell and Creggan at the time of his death – his memory and the memory of all the dead volunteers continues to inspire republicans and a new generation of young republicans who seek to do justice to the character of Patsy Duffy and the other volunteers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Irish freedom.
“It is important to remember and commemorate these gallant men and women. However, we must bear in mind that the cause for which they died remains incomplete and that struggle must continue until our objective has been reached. When Patsy Duffy’s country can take her place amongst the nations, it is then, and only then, that Patsy’s epitaph will be written.”
This afternoon’s event will be addressed by a prominent member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
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