GAA supporters march for justice in honour of Patsy Kelly and Sean Brown

HUNDREDS of GAA supporters from Tyrone and Derry marched from Free Derry Corner to Sunday’s National League clash, demanding justice for the murdered Trillick councillor Patsy Kelly and Bellaghy Wolfe Tones chairman Sean Brown.

Family members of Patsy Kelly, who was abducted and murdered in 1974, and Sean Brown, who was killed in 1997, were among those who gathered at Free Derry Corner before the Tyrone-Derry match at nearby Celtic Park.

Speakers included Peter Canavan, Tyrone’s All-Ireland-winning captain, who emphasised the importance of seeking truth and justice.

“I am here today to implore the powers that be in the GAA to make the search for truth and justice a priority,” Mr Canavan stated. “Time is running out, and the time is now to take action.”

The Tyrone legend also highlighted the symbolic significance of people standing together at Free Derry Corner to support the families of Patsy Kelly and Sean Brown.

“Their only crime was that they served their community too well,” he remarked.

“Hopefully this display of unity by the Tyrone and Derry fans will lead to truth and justice for the families.”

Adrian O’Kane, legal representative of the Kelly family, stressed the long-standing quest for justice. “After 50 years of justice being delayed and denied, an inquest has at last been offered to Teresa [Patsy Kelly’s widow], and this should offer an opportunity to learn the truth about Patsy’s murder.

“On May 1, the British Government through its Legacy Act will seek to deny the Kelly family an inquest. In the words of Teresa, ‘in 50 years nothing has changed’.”

Mr Kelly’s son, also called Patsy, said the murder of his father was intended to instil fear in the community, but that they had responded with “bravery, courage and a steely determination.”

“People from throughout West Tyrone came to Trillick to search for what everyone knew would be the remains of my father. As the days went on and still no trace, the numbers swelled even more,” he said.

“As a civil rights activist and independent councillor, my father was elected to represent his people and to try and challenge the injustices and inequalities that he and his community lived in. We are heartened that the GAA community is standing in solidarity with us.”