Freedom For All Ireland
The Murder of Sean Brown – 28 Years Ago
On May 12th, 1997, in a small town in South Derry, Sean Brown, the chairman of the Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GGA Club was closing up the club. He was beaten, abducted, and shot six times in the head by members of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF). This happened as he was closing the gates of the club for the night. Sean’s family has waited for years for information as to what happened and justice for their husband and father. British agents are known to be involved and more than 25 people were linked to the sectarian murder. Evidence was withheld and covered up for years. In December of last year, a High Court judge ordered a public inquiry. Last week the British government is challenging the High Court ruling. Sean’s wife is 87 years old and has little information on why her husband was targeted 28 years ago.
The Northern Ireland Office said “the recent judgement by the High Court raises a number of important issues, including matters of constitutional significance that go beyond the individual case. The government has therefore lodged a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal and we are seeking expedition.”
Noted author and film producer Trevor Birney’s documentary “Murder of a GAA Chairman” is painstakingly researched and uncovers the collusion by state agents linked to the sectarian murder.
Lost Gaels Book Tour
The GAA was founded in November 1884 with the intention of preserving Irish sporting games, culture, and language. Today the GAA is the largest sporting organization in Ireland. It is a great amateur sporting association responsible for promoting Gaelic games and Irish culture. Lost Gaels provides a unique exploration into the past. Over 150 men, women, and children with close links to the GAA were murdered during the conflict. The book is a moving tribute and tells their stories.
The AOH, LAOH, USGAA & NYGAA are working together to support the launch of Peadar Thompson’s book tour.
February 20th Watertown, Massachusetts at AOH Hall
February 21st Albany, NY at Irish American Heritage Museum
February 22nd Glastonbury, Connecticut at Irish American Home Society
February 23rd Rockland, NY GAA Club
February 25th New York City at Irish American Historical Society
February 26th New Jersey AOH Hall
February 27th Philadelphia, PA Commodore John Barry Hall
March 1st Pittsburgh, PA
March 2nd Cleveland, Ohio at West Side Irish Club
March 4th Chicago, Illinois at Irish American Heritage Cente
Each event will have a 45 minute presentation by Peadar Thompson (the author) followed by Q&A and book signing. The books will be available for sale at each event for $30.00. It is a well-researched, high quality hard cover book that is a must read and a great addition to your home book collection. I hope that you will be able to join us at one of the five (5) events in our geographic area – Albany, Connecticut, Rockland County, Manhattan, New Jersey.
Bob Bollbach
A.O.H. Division 18 Peekskill 