Republican parade passes off peacefully

By RUAIR CREANEY

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THERE was a heavy police presence in the town on Sunday as hundreds of people took part in an illegal demonstration in support of Lurgan republican Martin Corey.

Mr Corey was arrested last April and has been held in Maghaberry Prison since then.

The 60-year-old was released on licence in 1992 after serving 19 years for the killing of two RUC men in the 1970s.

The march from Kilwilke to Taghnevan passed off mainly without incident.

A number of high profile dissident republicans attended the march, including leading member of the Republican Network for Unity, Martin Og Meehan.

President of Republican Sinn Fein Des Dalton spoke to the crowd of around 200 people at the end of the parade, demanding the "immediate release" of Mr Corey.

"The incarceration of Martin shows that internment without trial still exists here in the six counties," Mr Dalton said.

"The only reason he was taken away from his home was because of his refusal to compromise his beliefs. He is an inspiration to the people of Lurgan, and all republicans. We, like Martin, will never accept British rule in Ireland."

Mr Corey's brother Peter also spoke at the event and thanked those who attended for their "continued support".

Mr Dalton defended the organisers' decision to boycott the Parades Commission.

He said: "We never have, and never will, ask the Stormont or Free State governments for permission to hold a parade in any part of our country."

Police blocked off the town centre at William Street and Edward Street and filmed those involved in the demonstration.

The crowed jeered at officers as they passed police lines, chanting "SS-RUC".

"The presence of the police today, as well as Martin's internment, reveals the lie that the north is normalised," said Mr Dalton.

In his speech, he referred to the recent upsurge in violence in the Lurgan and Craigavon area over the past number of years, describing it as "resistance".

"I salute the courage and bravery of the young people involved in resisting the British forces in our country. As long as there is a single British soldier in Ireland, there will be resistance and there will be political prisoners. That is the message of Irish history."

Cait Trainor, from the Release Martin Corey Campaign, said she was pleased with the turnout.

"This is the first of many demonstrations we will be holding," said Miss Trainor.

"We will continue to take to the streets until Martin's release is secured. This is just the start."

The banner at the Release Martin Corey parade. INLM0411-900dmg

Republican parade passes off peacefully

THERE was a heavy police presence in the town on Sunday as hundreds of people took part in an illegal demonstration in support of Lurgan republican Martin Corey.

Mr Corey was arrested last April and has been held in Maghaberry Prison since then.

The 60-year-old was released on licence in 1992 after serving 19 years for the killing of two RUC men in the 1970s.

The march from Kilwilke to Taghnevan passed off mainly without incident.

A number of high profile dissident republicans attended the march, including leading member of the Republican Network for Unity, Martin Og Meehan.

President of Republican Sinn Fein Des Dalton spoke to the crowd of around 200 people at the end of the parade, demanding the "immediate release" of Mr Corey.

"The incarceration of Martin shows that internment without trial still exists here in the six counties," Mr Dalton said.

"The only reason he was taken away from his home was because of his refusal to compromise his beliefs. He is an inspiration to the people of Lurgan, and all republicans. We, like Martin, will never accept British rule in Ireland."

Mr Corey's brother Peter also spoke at the event and thanked those who attended for their "continued support".

Mr Dalton defended the organisers' decision to boycott the Parades Commission.

He said: "We never have, and never will, ask the Stormont or Free State governments for permission to hold a parade in any part of our country."

Police blocked off the town centre at William Street and Edward Street and filmed those involved in the demonstration.

The crowed jeered at officers as they passed police lines, chanting "SS-RUC".

"The presence of the police today, as well as Martin's internment, reveals the lie that the north is normalised," said Mr Dalton.

In his speech, he referred to the recent upsurge in violence in the Lurgan and Craigavon area over the past number of years, describing it as "resistance".

"I salute the courage and bravery of the young people involved in resisting the British forces in our country. As long as there is a single British soldier in Ireland, there will be resistance and there will be political prisoners. That is the message of Irish history."

Cait Trainor, from the Release Martin Corey Campaign, said she was pleased with the turnout.

"This is the first of many demonstrations we will be holding," said Miss Trainor.

"We will continue to take to the streets until Martin's release is secured. This is just the start."