Republican commemoration in Dunloy for IRA volunteers

Active members of the North Antrim Brigade of the Provisional IRA, Declan Martin (18) and Henry Hogan (21) were gunned down by undercover soldiers in the Carness area on 21 February 1984.

Hogan and Martin's deaths followed that of twenty-six-year-old Sergeant Paul Oram, who was married with a five-month-old daughter.

Sgt Oram had been tasked with surveillance work on a suspected arms dump in Carness when he was killed just prior to the shooting of the local men.

According to some sources the IRA discovered the 14 Intelligence Company in place keeping a house in Dunloy under surveillance. Three IRA men attempted an ambush in which Sergeant Oram was killed and another soldier wounded, although one of the soldiers had radioed for help.

Republicans say both volunteers were badly wounded when backup SAS squads opened fire on them and too severely injured to defend themselves, both were "summarily executed by the SAS".

In recent years large numbers of Republicans have gathered in Dunloy each February to mark the deaths and speakers in the past have included Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Gerry Kelly.

Three bands are set to participate in the event with over 500 spectators due on Sunday 28 February.

The outward route will depart at 2pm along Bridge Road, Tullaghans Road and Carness Road and will return along the route from 3.30pm.

The parade will end at 4pm.