Tribute book published

The booklet launch was the last of a series of events, including the unveiling at the Derrymacash Republican-Plot on Easter Sunday of a plaque to mark the 40th anniversary of Michael’s death.

Guest speaker at the launch, Connor Murphy MLA, said: “It was the unselfish actions of ordinary men and women like Michael Crossey that had made it possible for the present generations of republicans to pursue the objective of a United Ireland through political means.”

He said: “Michael was a volunteer who knew and accepted the risks of his actions. He acted out of belief, not for money, and he paid the ultimate price in his struggle to create a nation which would cherish all of its people equally. It is thanks to Michael and his comrades that the young people of today are able to pursue that ideal without risk to life or freedom.”

Speaking after the event Michael Crossey’s niece, Cllr Mairead O’Dowd, expressed her appreciation of the large turnout and in particular of the presence of so many representatives of the families of those whose names appear on the North Armagh Roll of Honour and Roll of Remembrance.

She said: “I never had the opportunity of getting to know my uncle and having read these personal tributes I have a strong sense of his personality and his obvious charisma.”

A limited number of booklets are available at the Sinn Fein office.