The late Sean Keenan.
One of Derry’s best known republicans will be remembered in the city this afternoon.
Seán Keenan, who from the 1980s until his death in March 1993 was honorary vice-president of Republican Sinn Fein, is remembered annually at a Celtic Cross memorial erected in his honour at the bottom of Fahan Street on the edge of the Bogside.
As chairman of the Derry Citizens Defence Association set up in 1969, he played a prominent role in the setting up of “Free Derry” at that time.
The son of an IRA quartermaster, he was interned without trial on three occasions – 1940–1945, 1957–1961, and 9 August 1971 – 27 April 1972, spending a total of 15 years in jail despite never being convicted of an offence.
He was first jailed in 1935 for carrying the Irish flag at an election meeting.
His wife, Nancy Ward, a member of Cumann na mBan and an internee in Armagh Jail in the early 1940s, died in 1970.
His 19-year-old son, Colm, along with another IRA volunteer Eugene McGillan (18), was shot dead by British troops in March 1972.
Main speaker at today’s commemoration, which will take place at 3.00pm, will be Diarmuid Mac Dubhglais, Republican Sinn Fein, Dublin.
Tags:
