Vol. Sean Boyle 16th June 1953 1st February 1975

Sean Boyle was the first child of John and Rose Boyle. Born on June 16th 1953 he spent his early years in Tullywinney, Drumherriff before moving to Belleek in 1956. He attended the local Primary School and then St Paul's Secondary School in Bessbrook. From an early age Sean would help out on his uncle's farm and from this he developed a love for outdoor activities.

His family had a strong sporting tradition and Sean was an excellent Gaelic footballer, playing initially for Loughgilly underage team and Belleek senior team with his father when he was only 16. He was later to play for Whitecross and St. Patrick's, Cullyhanna. As a child Sean took part in many feisanna around south Armagh, on one occasion taking first prize for reading the poem "The Ballad of William Bloat".

Upon leaving school Sean got an apprenticeship with McParland brothers where he served his time as a bricklayer.

Sean's comrades remember him as a extremely eager soldier who would participate fully in all aspects of volunteer life and was always willing to assist others in any way that he could. He was also described as "always having a way of making you laugh, with a carefree manner and a ready smile".

Sean met his partner Angela Murphy and they married in St Patrick's Church, Cullyhanna on August 14th 1974. The couple settled in Dundalk where Sean managed 'The Emerald Bar'. Sadly only a few months later, on the 1 st February 1975, Sean died in a car accident near the Ballymascanlon Hotel, County Louth.