Vol. Fergal Caraher 12th April 1970 30th December 1990

Fergal Caraher was born in Annaghmare, Cullynanna, and was the fourth son of a family of nine to Peter John and Mary Caraher. Fergal attended St. Patrick's P.S. Cullyhanna and St Colman's College, Newry where he took his '0' Levels before starting work in a meat factory. Fergal had an easygoing, funny personality; he was good-natured, popular with his friends and had a good sense of humour. He was always quick with a witty remark and a laugh.

His main past-times were football and playing the bass drum in St Patrick's Youth Band Cullyhanna. Fergal had a deep love for his family and his country and he lived near the family home with his wife Margaret and son Brendan. At the age of sixteen, having seen the need to free his country, Fergal joined the I.R.A. Even at this young age, he played as full a part as possible in many of the operations that took place in his area.

He was ever willing and keen to participate in the struggle whether politically or militarily. He had a strong loyalty to his beliefs and upheld those beliefs at every opportunity. On several occasions he found himself in dangerous situations with the enemy and in one particular instance, after an intense gun battle, Fergal's intimate knowledge of the area and coolness under pressure prevented the capture of several Volunteers as he led them from the scene.

Sadly, on 30th December 1990, in an extension of the British shoot-to-kill policy, a group of British Army soldiers opened fire on a car in which Fergal and his brother Miceal were travelling, killing Fergal and seriously injuring Miceal. The manner of his death shocked the entire community as was evidenced by the thousands that attended his wake and funeral. As the British cover-up attempt began, the shock felt by the community quickly turned to anger and a quiet determination to expose their lies. This encouraged many young people to join the I.R.A. in an effort to achieve the goals for which Fergal fought and died.